If your goals were fame, then yes. But you can still pursue excellence even if there is an alternative “easy” path.

The equivalent is something like hand tool woodworking - it’s still a thing despite the advent of machines, but more of a niche. You can still aim to become excellent, but maybe you won’t be famous.

> but maybe you won’t be famous.

Or employable. Which sucks if you're over 50.

That also sucks if you are not anywhere close to retire or having a beffy bank account and depend on regular monthly payments.