because SV doesn't do exactly that? Elizabeth Holmes anyone? Give me a break, 99% of stuff made anywhere on the internet is a waste for "real" human beings.

Then work for the 1% stuff that is good.

Not everyone has that option/luxury. "Good" is subjective anyway, just find something that you enjoy and doesn't increase the collective suffering of the human race. Tell any naysayers to pound sand.

"having trouble getting a job? cast a smaller net"

sage advice folks you heard it here first

I primarily compare it to the silly social media apps I was making for $50-$90 an hour for other people

And then for $120 an hour

And then being rejected from every job for 6 months straight while I got incrementally better at leetcode, and saying the right thing in behavioral interviews

That was a much more quantifiable waste that had no value for any real human being

Its really hard for me to make the distinction you feel so passionately about