Be a great problem solver and don't worry about the rest. A lot of computer scientists know a ton about B-trees, A* search (I got a BS and MS in CS, and have been coding for 10 years, and dunno what the heck this is), quick-sort, heapsort, etc.. but have not produced anything substantial to show for it.
Then there's dudes that know only PHP and have built something that solved a crucial need.
Why would you rather be able to hack something together than to understand the underlying theory? In my opinion that value system is backwards. I think the most respectable skill is algorithms, and innumeracy should be as embarrassing as illiteracy.
Actually If a person can solve a problem without any previous algorithm theory it shows they can solve problems naturally. Learning algorithms if they wanted wouldn't be a problem. TO many people claim they are so sharp with algos. but cant code for shit.
Then there's dudes that know only PHP and have built something that solved a crucial need.
Don't be the first dude. Be the 2nd.