The idea and the execution are inextricably linked even in the academic case. The ideas that your academic friends are protecting have value because they, with

The idea and the execution are inextricably linked even in the academic case. The ideas that your academic friends are protecting have value because they, with a reputation for execution, have decided to focus on them. I have some ideas on string theory which are precisely worthless, no matter how correct they may turn out to be.