> But still: juniors have literally complained that it doesn't matter when I fail, because I'm already "made". Their sense that they have to prove themselves, and advance on some ladder, hangs over them always.

They are not wrong. I've been around long enough to earn some trust. I can (and have) made some major mistakes that would be reflected on a junior's raise, but I get by with it. I'm also working in places where those mistakes are more likely because we don't trust juniors in them. I like to think I make less mistakes than the juniors would, but I'm not sure...

If you are a junior, just wait - your turn will come.