OP talks about performance optimization, not about "infrastructure work" in general.<p>The issue with performance optimization is that fast enough systems are ok -- nobody needs the fastest system possible. So its not much of an optimization, really.<p>If you are spending time scaling stuff that is fast enough, you are not spending your resources well. Naturally, you will not be appreciated. On the other hand, if you resolve a critical scalability issue, you will certainly be recognized as a hero.