There are some problems with that though. Let's pick your first example and say you are a statistician/programmer. The problem is that whenever you talk to your peers, which are either better statisticians or better programmers, you will have a hard time earning their respect.

Also, most people will know intuitively that it is easier to diversify than it is to specialize.

And by combining skills you aren't going to make it into the history books. However, hard work in one area may actually get you there one day.