[kfarr]

I agree and disagree with this. I agree that in many environments their definition of a "great software developer" is a bolt turner.

However I think that in many other environments, especially early stage, a "great software developer" is someone that makes sure the user's problems are met and that is definitely measured by usage.

[eropple]

These places certainly still exist! I'm fortunate to work in one. But they're also more rare and the requirements to land those jobs tend to be more stringent. The OP sounds like a relatively junior developer, albeit a highly motivated one; that's often a tough fit for such roles.