^^^^. It's a you problem, not a them problem. My guess is you think the value add is providing technical expertise, while it's really schmoozing with tech mixed in somehow. Adapt or die
But yeah I mean, clearly I did it wrong, thing is I thought I understood how this works, but I guess I just didn’t know how to pick the “right” people in this context. All the people I have good relationships with are either long gone or my peers
You need to observe and learn about the organisation. Who's in charge of what? Who's senior? Who seems to make things happen?
You need to network up and do self-promotion. Your peers have no influence on work allocation and promotions apart from contributing to your reputation with the higher ups by reporting that you did this or that, and that you are the expert in this or that.