That was because they were training for the "manual labour" part. Which is what most people enjoy and cherish, I think (including myself).
But that's not really how art market values the merchandise.
Conceptualization suffices for the market after sufficient prestige and brand value exists. I guess the Damien Hirsch reference was not that obvious for this venue so -
Note: I'm not saying you should measure the value of art with money. I'm saying those people _who measure the value of art in monetary terms_ may value branding and conceptualization more than manual skill.
