Being clueless can be admirable, I think. These are the people you work with who put in the work even when it won't lead to a fatter paycheck for themselves. The essay makes them out to all be useless middle managers, but the actual top contributers to a team also fit most closely with this category.
On the contrary, the frugal option is quite often the cooler, more fulfilling one:
- riding a bike instead of driving (makes you fitter, hotter, increases mating potential)
- cooking food (impressive to friends and potential mates, makes you and your family healthier)
- building furniture, tech stuff, whatever (your stuff is customized to your own tastes and situation)
- playing music in a band (get paid for a Saturday night out instead of paying for it)
- helping friends and asking friends for help in return (builds social ties)