If the headline were actually true...

Agree with your point, solving problems gets you points, avoiding them doesn't. My cynical view of the headline is, that a lot of people do get credit for solving problems that never really existed, simply either fabricating (intentionally or not) easy to solve problems or vastly overblowing problems they just happen to have a "solution" for.

If ypu successfully fight a fire, you are a hero, if you prevent fires it is just normal and nothing special.