I don't think anyone is disputing that ROI is better with software.
That said, programming for 10 years before getting a job in the are is not uncommon. Most of my peers did it for at least five (I learned 15 years before, but I grant that's not that common).
> during
I've been paid far more for software than I have for music in the last 10+ years. Spent about equal time/effort on each.
ROI is better with software (I can afford more synths and records).