> They view the "fame and glory" as something that maybe someone else has a chance of achieving, but not a realistic pursuit for themselves.

This was also my default thinking, but we really see more and more "nerds" getting into the spotlight. It could be a kind of self-fulfilling situation though: the ones working for that fame make the choices that get them there, such as opting to do research that's more "palatable" to those holding the purse strings, and so have the support to gain and maintain presence. Those who would rather blaze their own path generally get left in obscurity (unless they find something truly game-changing), even if it turns out they're more than the former group.