Apparently you have never continually excelled at your job and been rewarded with zero raises, zero promotions, zero added trust, and zero added authority or influence.

Every place I have ever worked has taken advantage of anyone who does more than they are asked. None of those individuals were ever rewarded for going above or beyond. Not a single time.

Doing the bare minimum is what employers do. Why should employees do any more?

I believe it is our moral duty to improve ourselves. I do not believe it is our moral duty to donate effort to an unthankful entity.