Oh, I agree; but I'm not sure what point you're making.

For good or ill, I spent some years as a hardware dog. I find that some, though not all, of my experience transfers to software engineering; I've always had a sideline in software; and it has appeared from time to time that I may have talent in engineering. So having perhaps the ability, I think to put it to use. Hence my participation here, in other forums, and on CPAN.

Like most people, I have other skills I can put to work for the common good. The major motivation of this essay is that I'm seriously wondering if my time might not be better spent thus. In my soul I'm absolutely certain that my Perl is excellent and belongs at the top of everyone's list. But a man's capacity for self-deception is unlimited.