Not OP, but I was similarly tired of building optics and plays on permanent roles - that is inevitable part of the ladder competition. I also love programing since being kid.

Now I am expert for hire, contractor, mercenary. Surely I try to read politics for my own benefit, is it for securing contract extension or jumping onto more interesting project within the organization. However I don't have to play games to chase bonuses and perks - solid daily rate exceeds all that. No racing with goals or reviews - choose own path, trainings, conferences, transferable skills. No need to believe in management success propaganda - we do professional business, I sell my expertise they make use of it. Not volountieering my precious weekend time to make bosses happy - overtime? eventually, here is the rate.

A bit of ego and sales talk is needed too to get foot in the door and then sometimes to convince them to hear your advice. I am there to help, get job done under agreed conditions and leave with more experience, grown reputation, and new contacts in my network.

You're still looking outside yourself for the answers. Nobody else's past choices are going to help you. There is no template. No blueprint. You've got to make your own. Trust me.