You're 100% correct. So many stories of very successful musicians (metal guitarists, etc.) that have a knack for making music people like. I view this thing as

You're 100% correct. So many stories of very successful musicians (metal guitarists, etc.) that have a knack for making music people like. I view this thing as a "skill-reward" ratio. If you're a mediocre guitarist and your band has sold platinum records, you're a complete champion. You translated X mechanical skill to Y real-world impact and success. If you're a superb technical guitarist and nobody listens to your music, you have nothing to contribute. People over focus on the minutiae and lose sight of the thing itself. Musicianship over music.