This is exactly correct. In the past, I didn't consider myself an excellent programmer, because I struggled to solve esoteric number permutation problems and re

This is exactly correct. In the past, I didn't consider myself an excellent programmer, because I struggled to solve esoteric number permutation problems and recursive graph search problems during whiteboard interviews. It seemed to me that all my peers could do it, and they were getting good jobs for it. Over time I learned that the real value comes from solving the right problems, and recognizing wasted effort. It comes from architecting systems that are easily maintainable. That's what makes money in the business. Solving narrow, intensely interesting algorithms, is a rare case that is not widely needed in the industry at large.