That's actually what i already encounter, if you show interest in a field and put in the work the old academic moat turns from keeping you out to guard the precious knowledge into "well we put that up so you too can work in peace".

Also to pick up your conflict - when there are 2 possible outcomes you don't know yet - planning for the worst will have you lose either way, but planning for a good one (not best as this would mean to do nothing) leaves you with a positive chance.