It's not about "filthy rich" it's about living a normal, middle-class lifestyle. It takes as long to become a research scientist as it does to become a doctor, dentist, etc. And the pay is not even half.

Then again in the UK anything "technical" doesn't get a lot of respect. Engineers do a bit better than scientists, but nowhere near lawyers or accountants. Science and engineering are not even considered among "the professions". IT is one of the few niches where meritocracy at least prevails, not even there is it guaranteed tho'.