I think what you're saying really can apply to all ages. Different programmers have different skills they bring to the table. Some have an amazing ability to crank out a utility app that is easy to use. Some are amazing at complex algorithms and scary assembly debugging, but can't and won't ever be able to design a simple form-based app that makes any sense to normal humans. From a programmer stand-point I don't think either one is any better (although the algorithms guy is likely to think his work is more important :-) But depending on the job or position, one of them may be more useful than the other.