I was under the impression that the crypto and blockchain space wanted to alter the practices of greedy centralized organizations that chewed up the people and spat them in the garbage

Wrong. Especially when it comes to ICO's. Most ICO's are little more than an undeserving cash grab for crap projects that mirror other crap projects. Even many that have a goal of quality seem to push for an obscene amount of money that is way more than needed. Look at the EOS project the founder of Steem is finishing up. It says here he raised 4 billion dollars.

https://cryptoslate.com/eos-raises-record-breaking-4-billion-from-crowdsale/

I suspect they control now the largest single holding of Ethereum ever held. And no way no how a blockchain startup needs 4 billion.

Then you look at the most common phrases people use, like going to the moon. One guru on YouTube refers to his position trading as "his projects" as though he personally has something to do with it other than speculating for monetary gain. This is all mostly about the money for most involved. I wonder how much Dan has made from his blockchain forks (3 different lines)? You really have to applaud his genius as I read an article the other day saying his 3 chains will make up 80% of all blockchain usage.

Now onto your complaint about being undervalued. It certainly seems like you are correct, hell I swear by you to others interested in your similar projects. The problem you have is one of leverage. I learned this long ago in swap meet selling.

In the beginning I was desperate to make sales and gave items away to people with money. I allowed them to hold the leverage. A more savvy seller took a shine to me and helped me realize no sale needs to be made. Even when it really does, it does not. It is a mind set. Right now they (your employers you have run into) have held the leverage as you need their money more than they believe (come back to this in a moment) they need you. There are plenty of skilled people waiting to need their money, just like there were plenty of people selling the same items I was.

You have to get into the mindset that they need you more than you need them. If not, you walk. Make them Believe it is so. But that walking away needs to take place before the deal is struck, if that makes sense. They will sense your willingness to walk at the hiring negotiations and if they hire you despite your sureness (arrogance?) your chances of getting a fair shake are increased dramatically.

Good luck and please keep us updated on this.