Re:while historical chemical advances (Score 2, Interesting)

have been done by hobbyists, i humbly submit this isn't possible anymore. all of the historical advances made by hobbyists were done decades ago, involving simple concepts. all advances today are not simple, but require the support of an advanced facility, simply because all of the fundamental, simple advances in chemistry have already been scoured

I disagree. I would argue that closet chemists are not advancing chemical theory and are more likely looking at various practical applications. This simply takes a different perspective and removing ones self from corporate pressures (where something might not be seen as profitable) might provide that.

similar to hobbyist game makers of just 20, 30 years ago, and how there is no way they could compete on the same footing with modern mainline game studios and the high end graphical renderings they crank out

Yet games like Portal and Crayon Physics help change the direction of the industry.