I think the trouble is that, for many programmers, "work on my networking" is on the same level as "grow an extra pair of arms" — might be handy, but no idea ho

I think the trouble is that, for many programmers, "work on my networking" is on the same level as "grow an extra pair of arms" — might be handy, but no idea how to make it happen. So they resent those who do know how. (I realized this might sound kind of condescending, so to be clear: I am in the category of "couldn't network his way out of a paper bag." I just realized a while ago that resenting people who are better than I am at some things was counterproductive, and it's better to watch and learn.)