> I hate articles that make it seem like there is some magical cult of amazing engineers that have an untouchable and unattainable aura. I remember how intimidated I was after I graduated college and was coming into the workforce due to it.

I think that the point is that typically in startups, people revere the company founders, the MBAs, the VCs, etc. and not the quiet experienced engineers that just make things happen. You're right that it isn't a secret guild, however there is a range of experience and talent, and some are on the higher end of that. Not everyone can easily attain the level of experience and talent that some of these people have; it is a mix of education, natural ability, hard work, and luck. But, you are right that getting a lot closer to the level these people are at is not impossible.