Very well said. This aligns with my own experience. Open source, like other volunteer projects, generally allows new people to insert themselves and participate in some niche and often overlooked aspect. If that participation creates value, your influence grows. If you stick with it long enough, you essentially become the hub of that sphere of influence that you have built. These hubs do not usurp the work of others, but rather enhances the overall project and over time you become the trusted and indispensable go-to person for that area. It's a very empowering feeling and one that carries over to other aspects of life.