and for the most part, no one is so smart that what they say can't be found elsewhere in a more useful and effective package.
Exactly. No one is ultimately irreplaceble. If you are not willing to put yourself in a position to be listened to, people will ultimately move on to a person who will
It is a shame in many ways as there are risks to turning away also but, there is only so much attention available in an attention economy and people will make their decisions largely on what feels suitable for them.