[kudokatz]

> As I've became more experienced what impresses me is how iD was able to crank out so much software so quickly

> usually have multiple dead-ends where it isn't until after I've tried using a technique with real data that I realize it has weaknesses the researchers didn't point out and which can't easily be fixed

If you listen to John Romero himself telling the story of id and the fast iteration, it was "due to having, basically, 10 years of intense game development experience prior":

https://youtu.be/E2MIpi8pIvY?t=543

("it's also due to the first principle we had - no prototypes")

A theme I tend to see is that a lot of folks with super output appear to others like icebergs - a LOT of effort that nobody can see, and a tiny peak at which everyone marvels.