I agree with you - I learned to program because I found it fascinating, and wanted to know how my computer worked, not because it was the only option available to me at the time...

There are always people willing to take shortcuts at long-term expense. Frankly I'm fine with the selection pressure changing in our industry. Those who want to learn will still find a way to do it.

It’s a very small difference. People would rather line up for the elevator than take the stairs. That’s just human nature.