Reason may be similar to why artists and musicians typically don't make money. Money/power isn't that interesting. So the people who end up becoming the gatekeepers are those who can't see real talent and those with real talent think that those who are in it for the money aren't "real" enough.
The good but not greats are often really good at specific areas not necessarily tied to business concerns. The "greats" spend so much time on it that they end up really good at a bunch of things.
From a business perspective where output needs to be measurable/controllable you want someone either malleable enough to work on any kind of crap, or someone Soo good they can be good at anything.
The really good CSS person, the SVG animator, the functional JS guy will all be passed in favor of the malleable new grad or the industry expert. The only way is if these individuals market themselves and create a new domain of expertise by giving talks or writing books. The value is appreciated by the environment but not companies.
The good but not greats are often really good at specific areas not necessarily tied to business concerns. The "greats" spend so much time on it that they end up really good at a bunch of things.
From a business perspective where output needs to be measurable/controllable you want someone either malleable enough to work on any kind of crap, or someone Soo good they can be good at anything.
The really good CSS person, the SVG animator, the functional JS guy will all be passed in favor of the malleable new grad or the industry expert. The only way is if these individuals market themselves and create a new domain of expertise by giving talks or writing books. The value is appreciated by the environment but not companies.