Used to be SWEs were so powerful that we could by virtue of the fact that replacing one costed so much
But now, where juniors are hired by the dozen and internships are now a seeming requirement (internships being a worker's first -- and now mandatory, it would seem -- induction into drinking the techbiz koolaid), where lifers are getting more and more scarce... I guess you're right :/
Toeing the party line sucks at any job, but it's part and parcel to receiving a paycheck assuming you aren't doing something downright illegal.