All we can do is try hard not hurt people with our version of good will. I've done the same with the same outcome, one of those people went on and made an impact and is cited frequently here, but not because of any help from me.
If everyone in the world thought like you, the world would be a better place. Unfortunately, this world is full of nepotism and tribalism. But people like you (and the parent commenter) help balance it out.