But was creative work ever supremely valued in the average case? Even the 'original' patrons, the kings / aristocrats didn't patronize hundreds or thousands of

But was creative work ever supremely valued in the average case? Even the 'original' patrons, the kings / aristocrats didn't patronize hundreds or thousands of artists. They patronized a few good ones. I feel that the presence of some rock star musicians / YouTubers / whatever sends the wrong message that life as an artist is all hunky dory in the average case.