Web development involves a little creative effort and a great deal of repetitive, tedious work. While sedentary, it requires heavy physical exertion to sit still the whole day. It is usually a low-prestige, low-power role within an organization. It does not require much academic education. I would like to be elitist, but what drives me is despair.

Honestly I kind of agree with the sentiment - and I am a web developer.

Most web developers are doing CRUD apps. It's a craft requiring technical skills, and I still enjoy it, but I can still see it for what it is.

There is a lot of development that I think can be categorized this way. Someone learned a skill 5 or 10 or even 15 years ago, and goes to work everyday and essentially punches a clock. Having done ColdFusion for a large part of my career, I see this pattern in that community.

It does come off as elitist, and I think he could have communicated a great deal better. I agree that your identity shouldn't be wrapped up in some particular technology you use, but you also shouldn't have to prop up your identity by trying to insult others.

Construction is a popular programming metaphor.