[faiD9Eet]

> I must admit, I read this and failed to find any profound, deep way that these coders are different.

I have come to the same conclusion.

> Seems like they just worked hard.

I would like to draw another conclusion. Fitzgerald operated live journal from his bedroom as a teenager - so he was at the brink of new technology. Same effect that gave rise to Bill Gates. There are probably more effects at play, like working for a company that does not waste your time doing bullshit tasks and having a mentor to get you started. Even a like minded individual will increase your chances to overcome obstacles.