I think coding at this level -- successfully; well -- reflects a kind of relentlessness that was essential. Gates had other qualities that contributed to Micro

I think coding at this level -- successfully; well -- reflects a kind of relentlessness that was essential. Gates had other qualities that contributed to Microsoft's success: The desire and ability to focus on getting people to do things and on business, etc. But his coding work demonstrates a focus, an intensity and persistence, that was instrumental. I'm not particularly fond of some of his and Microsoft's business techniques. But he damned well executed them, relentlessly. As I see it (from afar), he was, is never one for half measures -- not with regard to his true interests.