I think it obviously is a difficult accomplishment. I agree that some people probably romanticize the "old ways" and more radical forms of self-reliance, but ultimately it is question of taste and interest.

I have enough experience with it to know it is far harder than most people imagine, but still think there is a lot that I think is positive about it.

Is running a marathon an accomplishment?

why isn’t that an accomplishment? who are you to decide what other people get validation from?