I don't think you understand who is thought to be "not worth listening to." This industry is filled with the software development equivalent of CAD technicians

I don't think you understand who is thought to be "not worth listening to." This industry is filled with the software development equivalent of CAD technicians thinking they're engaged in deeply analytical work and are generally well respected simply because they can regurgitate some trite CS trivia. The reality is that the effects of the industry's arrogance have simply shifted form over the years. You think being able to dress in shorts and thongs at work is a measure of being respected ("recognition that the quality of our work isn't measured by how we dress") but that's simply not true. There are very few successful companies where more than a very small handful of technical people are listened to or respected.