Not sure about your list of 'some of the smartest people alive today'; makes me think the article was written by someone definitely not nearly on such a list.
I'm in almost the exact same position except possibly worse so as I'm about to be sponsored by the company to stay in Australia on a skilled work visa... So mind numbing and career stifling that I find myself her on HN wayyy more than I probably should be :/
I've mentioned my concerns with the PM and a tech-lead and get told things to the tune of 'well your other colleagues didn't have a problem...'
Been here a month now. Currently trying to build up the courage to write something to the boss but I'm not sure if that's a good idea.