I like that you're upfront and detailed about your experiences and do not generalize. Much appreciated.

I should tell you that these big body shops have a reputation for hiring really bad programmers, basically because they have "processes" that they use to turn these people into problem solvers in very specific domains. More often than not, that is what their clients want as well: human eyes on a system designed and written by someone else. When in college, these were known as "bus" companies, because they would give job offers to a busload of students, but all the offers were pitiful and the work horrible.

Just like you noticed, if you want to see real talent, look elsewhere.