I've never been in a situation where programming was an "end" in and of itself. It has always (for me) been a means to an end. So, I think: yes, it's definitel

I've never been in a situation where programming was an "end" in and of itself. It has always (for me) been a means to an end. So, I think: yes, it's definitely possible to be a good programmer. If your work-activity furthers the larger goals that you're working towards (in an effective and efficient way), then you're pretty good in my book.