I think you don't necessarily have to be leader for people to find interest in your opinions. I always prefer non-leader's opinions, because they are the most honest opinions, not trying to influence anyone in any way. Luck can indeed be a big part of someone's life, because some seem to be invulnerable to all the consequences of bad decision making. But of course, luck is not permanent and it can't watch over you forever...
My opinions could be and probably are wrong. So if you mine for a lot of opinions rather than focus on "thought leaders" then perhaps you can get a bigger and better picture. I cannot assume my opinions are more right than the opinions of the majority. I do not instruct others to follow me or anyone else, as it's better to think for ourselves.
Yes, that's not what I meant. I don't mean that I follow anyone's opinions leaders or non-leaders. Whenever someone comes out with an opinion, I like to do some research on my own and come up with my own opinion from my point of view. Everyone's opinions are just opinions. They can give you a hint what's right and what's wrong, but if you always blindly follow opinions, you might be on the wrong path, because you're never thinking for yourself. I think whenever you hear an opinion, you should always keep in mind that it could be a wrong opinion, no matter who the person is.