Exploited by Masters

I just finished watching a documentary on Charles and Ray Eames. Many of those interviewed were designers who had worked with the Eames, collaborating on projects and helping them develop ideas. But no matter how much they contributed, the work was always under the name of Charles Eames.
One designer, Jeannine Oppewall, said, "He may have been exploiting us. But if you are not stupid, you are also exploiting that relationship. I was happy being exploited by a master."
I've worked for creative directors like this - where the entire creative department felt as if it existed only to bring the ECD's ideas to life.
What do you think about this? Would you be happy being exploited by a master? How would that fit into your career?

(By the way, this film is streaming on Netflix. I highly recommend it.)