Wasn't one of Howard Roarks best friends a simple welder?

He's still a producer.

It doesn't matter how much money one makes, what does matter is the way they go about it. Work ethic, doing a good job at whatever one does, not expecting help...etc.

It's not all about greed is good Sup.

I don't see your take on Rand at all in reading either book.

YMMV.