For example, I got all my early programming experience because hiding out in my dad's basement soaking up the glow of green phosphor was infinitely more pleasant than dealing with high-school society. Not because that was beneath me, although that's what I surely told myself at the time, but because I was terrible at it.

It took me years to catch up with my peer group as far as social skills went. Until then, I literally could not perceive a lot of the subtle interactions that demonstrate (and perpetuate) this problem.

I think that's where a lot of the field is. And, in some sense, where they want to be. It's really uncomfortable recognizing that some of what you thought was personal achievement is due to shit that shouldn't matter. It was for me, anyhow. And is, really; it's an ongoing process.