Well, maybe i've always been quite a bit ahead of my time.
You have been "ahead" of your time for some time now, lol.
Yes, its hard to get respect from some of the people in position to hire. They read the resume and think "Wow, I have to meet this guy" and when you show up they blow you off.
I have just the opposite effect now. I get the "Well, he looks qualified" and I get there and the "KID" who is hiring looks at my gray hair and says "We will get back to you". I spent way too much of my earlier years doing things that were NOT productive to my advancement in the computer field. Now I am in a position that if I do not show exceptional knowledge in my field and have the experience to back it up I wont even get the interview.
I am coming soon to the point where I will have to get a job to feed my wife and son. I guess Alaska is looking better and better. (Anyone want to come and make igloos with me ?) LOL!
Peace!