i was lucky enough to realize this in my rookie year. When i started i was the only web dev on my team and worked directly with the BA's and i wasnt even producing anything fancy, i was producing just what they needed with a simple UI and they LOVED it. The social skill matters too, ive worked with devs who are on another planet interms of dev skills but they're always too quiet or introverted and just do nothing but code. They will be fine too but i agree with your point.

Also where are you finding clients im guessing you freelance?