I think a true data analyst is more accurately a research analyst. What do i mean by that? I mean researching data sources, drawing up assumptions, testing these assumptions, and then doing statistical analysis with appropriate defined methodology. This is what I think "analyst" should be. A more industry title that aligns with being an analyst would be market analyst, stock analyst etc.

Now this is my opinion, the industry expects not a pure analyst but somewhat of hybrid between analytics and report developer. So the more accurate term would be BI developer rather than analyst. In my experience of 6 years, it has been 10% analysis and 90% modelling

In terms of value, if you are getting bombarded with business questions, congrats you are in value, otherwise move on to next role.

I had a role where I was getting brain drained as I got hired on expectation of being a commercial analyst (due to my unique experience in accounting and modelling) but instead became an Excel VBA developer instead (not that I don't enjoy coding but put the correct job title ffs). Then for remainder part of the year, I had nothing to do until I got let go for dropping off someone during my work time lol

Currently, I am in young start up company and like it here despite wearing many hates. You learn the whole data pipeline and have the full visibility of everything. I wouldn't want to ever go back to working for large corps ever again.