I think you're talking about different issues. I read it as a practical communication issue more than a visibility issue. If people are getting stuff done, but not telling anyone that they're getting stuff done, it creates an atmosphere where people don't think stuff is getting done, and that's just needless stress.
I've been guilty of this as well, and although for the most part everyone knows I get stuff done, it does create uncertainty about where our project stands. It's hard to remove the air of "we're fucked," and that's especially tragic if by all objective standards you're doing fine.