GothamChess

What many may not realize is that Levy is actually fairly weak for a IM. Usually someone with his peak and average rating would be a FM. A IM should have standard strength of 2400s, not barely hit it once ever. He possibly tryharded for the IM title, with GM it would be multiple times that effort again and he has decided it isn't worth it. A IM title was really important for him to get as it gives him a lot more credibility than if he were just a FM, but not everyone can work hard and end up a GM. If that were the case GMs would be dime a dozen among unemployed people and others with a lot of time.

He has some talent, I have no doubt that if he acted like his life depended on it he could do it. However his content would likely suffer as he would have to devote hours a day to it, his wife would complain and find it annoying, he likely wouldn't enjoy the process himself, and he might end up different to how he is. Right now his personality and content is a goldmine so he has decided not to risk it.