I don't want to take anything away from Dr. Goodenough, but there is a slight caveat with respect to academia. Older, established, and respected researchers are able to attract large teams of of highly talented people. They are also able to secure funding. It is usual that this leader is given top billing on all papers and press interactions, even if they are mostly coordinating the work. This is good for everybody because the lab can continue to attract good talent and especially it can attract funding. Brilliant young researchers working by themselves in obscurity can't really make much headway because they have neither the man power, nor the money to tackle big problems.

So, while I agree with you in principle, older researchers offer more in academia than just their experience.