I am 100% pro this approach. Of course it won't work for 80% of companies with rigid control and hierarchy but I never had much interest in working for such com

I am 100% pro this approach. Of course it won't work for 80% of companies with rigid control and hierarchy but I never had much interest in working for such companies. Maybe I am too old but I remember days of programming being pure fun and maybe it is not typical but I can choose such jobs even today. If it does not sparkle there is no amount of money that can make me join the team. Programming was (and is) the thing of passion and joy. If you don't have fun you're holding it the wrong way. Having 'fill the gap' tasks is brilliant way to keep the team engaged the right way. It won't work for sweatshops but why would one work in such company in the first place? Money is no excuse just to be clear in advance. Unless it is thing of love and passion and fun it is not programming in the first place.