I have to agree with you in part...

The myth does have some degree of truth to it... Not all the best artists (and I only speak of musicians, specifically classical ones) are recognised and elevated. There is as much to do with skills in marketing and networking, and sadly, the general population doesn't have the ability and skills to differentiate a good artist from another. Generally, people go with what appeals to them... Not realising that their choices are often defined by factors that often have little to do with the actual art on display!

So, I would say that the myth holds a little bit true in that many artists do not have the skills in being able to market themselves and their creations (which you could argue, they shouldn't need those skills..). But they are also at the mercy of 'taste creators', the impresario who dictate what will succeed or not..

Whilst, I would agree that a larger pool of material appreciation would always be welcome... I wonder if that just feeds the sharks rather than the artists themselves?

Anyway, rambling a bit... Hope I managed to stay on topic...