"How many readers of foreign literature pay close attention to the name printed below the author’s, usually in small type?"
That's an interesting comment. I always check who the translator is and when it's a bad translation I'll avoid that translator. Obviously I don't do this for all languages but there are 2-3 languages I frequently read in translation.
Totally agree that translating is underpaid and not appreciated enough. I don't think it's an art but certainly a craft that deserves to be valued.