There's just a lack of ability to own a product as an engineer. Those things are delegated to managers and product owners; lead engineers are really just there

There's just a lack of ability to own a product as an engineer. Those things are delegated to managers and product owners; lead engineers are really just there to align work - not really to make broad vision beyond suggestions. If engineering firms wanted to improve they'd ensure that everyone who has decision making power over a product, whether from a business or technical perspective, is at the same level and has the same input. That way refactor is weighed the same as a new feature or service.