If you have a guy that doesn't miss from 50 and in, it's a virtual guaranteed 3 points anytime you get to the opponent's 35 - that's not worth a lot?!?
Or a punter who nets 15 yards more than your opponents' punters? 15 yard advantage (gain?) every time you have to yield possession.....
I think we value each position very poorly. A great punter is a huge yardage advantage in a game. A great kicker puts points on the board and provides peace of mind.
All that being said, kicker/punters are the radicalized version of "all other positions besides offensive skill positions".....10 linebackers should have a Heisman by now, 8 corners, 26 offensive linemen, etc.
That's the point.