Also: ideas are far less important than execution [1]. That's why it's best to work on problems you actually care about. If you don't, you'll end up cutting corners or burning out well in advance of success.
> Just fill needs that you have. Don't like how something existing works? Fix it. Think you can offer a better version of an existing idea? Go for it.
There are fields out there that are crying out for tech solutions because they are lumbering dinosaurs that haven't changed with the times. One example is the maritime industry. It's amazing how much is still done with pen and paper on a ship. True, there is often a reluctance to adopt new tech, but the younger cohort of mariners are far more eager and receptive to tech solutions than the previous generation.
My suggestion is to look for those industries and talk to folks in those fields about their pain points. The bar may be so low that you could step over it.
That can certainly happen. But you should at least have some domain experience or have a partner who does. Otherwise, not only will it be hard to come to the correct solution, you'll struggle to get your foot in the door to the industry.
The best idea in the world without execution: worth zero.
A very simple idea (say, a hamburguer stand) but executed well is worth a lot.
Then you have everything in between.
Like you say, even a mediocre execution on a great idea can be worth something - which is often the case of business software. You do run the risk of a competitor out-executing you, and the risk is greater the worse the execution was.
You're not wrong but that should be self-evident. Most people know when they have a bad idea, they just lack the humility to admit it.
Ideas do matter, but they're also a dime a dozen. Also, a mediocre idea executed well is far better than a fantastic idea executed poorly.