[double0jimb0]

Stop the presses! My apologies, I thought we were talking about product companies actually making money, not "talented professionals getting paid their 'value'".

The original comment was about "branding", not marketing, as you appear to have misread.

And don't worry, I understand completely well how many talented professionals actually make money. You are illustrating the point nicely.

[jacquesm]

Branding (and Brand Management) is an important part of a marketing strategy.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brand_management

And will - when applied properly - definitely help promote the company's sales (contrary to your original comment).