To be on the Default Developer list, the user must have the XX-Assigned Developer right, where XX is either GenApp, OraApp or PS. (in the Object Management Group of GenApp, OraApp or PS).
If they are missing the right, then the user name will not appear in the Default Developer drop down list.
Then, PS has a further possible restriction. If an environment on the migration path has PS Object Locking turned on, then the user must have an PS Operid defined in Stat for that Environment. If they don’t, then they are not eligible to be a Default/Assigned developer.