publications - Is h-index important? Can h-index be used to classify yourself to know whether you are at a given academic rank?

Of all the statistical factors that are used for judging publication record, the h-index seems to be the most commonly used

Wikipedia says

Hirsch suggested (with large error bars) that, for physicists, a value for h of about 12 might be typical for advancement to tenure (associate professor) at major research universities. A value of about 18 could mean a full professorship, 15–20 could mean a fellowship in the American Physical Society.

I am an organic chemistry with an h-index of 16. I assume physics should be similar to (organic) chemistry. I am now applying for a tenure-track position.
I mean to be overqualified for research funds, academic and scientific honors, etc.

Questions

• How important is the Hirsch index (h-index)?


• How much is the h-index really relied upon?


• Can the h-index be used to categorize yourself?


• Can I really set a goal that by reaching h-index 20, I am at the level of fellows of my professional society?


• Can the h-index be used to indicate whether I am ahead of my rivals?


• Can we claim something by h-index or is it just a number?


• What should be the h-index of assistant/associate/full professor in chemistry to be a leader of his own rank?