Definitely. It’s become professionalized and corporatized.
The truly exceptionally-skilled people who were not well-socialized have been pushed out, mostly. Thus, the average level of talent has decreased by a whole lot. Contributing to this is that those like me who grew up with real computers and excellent troubleshooting skills are starting to age out.
This means that the average skill level is a lot lower, and most managers are not as competent. Relatedly, there is vastly more attention paid to the appearance of things (not software or design, I mean socially). The put-up-with-no-bullshit greybeards and (more rarely) doyennes have nearly all departed — what’s left are gladhanders, ass-kissers, corporate social butterflies and sycophants of all stripes.
It was a lot better field 15-20 years ago is what I am saying. There is no nearly no one left at my level any longer. Which means there is no competition but it’s also very lonely. Those with actual impressive skills aren’t present anymore, and the juniors coming up can’t troubleshoot their way out of a wet paper bag.
It’s been sad to witness.