I think there is a perception in academic settings and other very large institutions that FP is on a lower tier somehow. In these settings, the attendings tend to be the most competitive and are big cheerleaders for their specialty...there will always be that kind of competition, from high school sports and throughout the rest of life. Also, the PCP's have their hands tied; referrals must stay within the institution, or there is political hell to pay.
However, in pvt practice, PCP's control referrals, so the specialists tend to court them instead. The contrast is astounding...specialists call back with thanks, go out of their way to take your call and get your patient in on a walk in appt. During the Christmas season PCP clinics are flooded w/ bottles of wine, fruit baskets and other swag. Pompous specialist who move into a community setting soon learn the new rules of the game, or suffer financially.