Those programmers were arguably 10x or 100x programmers, not run-of-the-mill. They made a choice to work on new technology, solving a hard problem. And then put

Those programmers were arguably 10x or 100x programmers, not run-of-the-mill. They made a choice to work on new technology, solving a hard problem. And then put in the effort, probably with little handholding, and managing the uncertainty. These are traits not found in the average or even median programmer.