I don't know what your experience is, but mine is the opposite. Nobody ever notices people who put out fires, and it's hard to should "hey guys! There's a fire here that John started, I'm putting it out!" without looking like a jerk for outing John.

> Letting a thing implode that you could prevent is a missed opportunity for advancement

No matter how many times I bail out my managers it seems that my career has never really benefit from it

I've only ever received significant bumps to salary or job title by changing jobs

You are right. I don't think the only alternative to shielding management from the consequences of their bad choices is letting things implode and going down with the ship.

yup, an employee is more than just a gear, better keep the motor running than explode along with the other parts.