My pet theory is that neither Johnny or Orrie really want Archie's job. I mean, they want to be big shots, not do the dusting in the office and arranging chairs and typing out orchid records. On a day to day basis, Archie's job actually involves a fair amount of menial work which would not fly with that pair. I've always felt that the real reason Archie is so threatened by Johnny and Orrie is because Archie has moments when he is fairly insecure about his looks and it makes him nervous when Wolfe has other attractive young men vying for his attention. Archie knows he's a better assistant than Johnny or Orrie could ever be, but he has a some doubt when it comes to, um, aesthetic appeal.

And, yes, every time Wolfe hires Orrie I think it is just to goad Archie.