Yes, I think your zero-programming point was spot on (though check that spreadsheet link: I was surprised to learn that visicalc automated existing paper spread

Yes, I think your zero-programming point was spot on (though check that spreadsheet link: I was surprised to learn that visicalc automated existing paper spreadsheets, so "programming" wasn't even an issue, at least for its initial massive success). But note that we're not really in "support of GP's argument" anymore. ;-) That's what I was arguing against (but excellently provocative questions BTW).