I think I see the disconnect. I am not a career drummer; I enjoy listening to, exploring, and making music. It seems like you've reduced music to a means of earning money. In my eyes that is a tragedy, and it is a sad outlook that I hope I never come to adopt. I don't mean offense by that; I know that realistically, certain things must be given up in making drumming profitable and appealing to the musically uninclined masses.
I'm not in it for ego or recognition and I don't like to be the center of attention. I regularly play mainstream music live and know that there is a time, place, and (admittedly niche) application for more complicated playing. I can't help but get bored with the dead-simple stuff. I'm always wanting to expand my horizons, explore more, learn more, and improve what I already know. For me, that has driven me towards more complicated music.
If getting the "well paid gig that's money beat simple" were their ultimate goal and satisfaction, snarky puppy would not exist...
If that were really true, you'd be fired and your bandmates would replace you with this guy, who will always outdo you on keeping time.
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How could you hold such a low view of drumming and not be ashamed to be a drummer?
Their loss. Sounds like they're missing out on whole worlds of great music that's not "just a back beat".