What the OP doesn't get is that there are tons of other industries that have distorted and glamorous brands attached to them. Many smart, ambitious people set o

What the OP doesn't get is that there are tons of other industries that have distorted and glamorous brands attached to them. Many smart, ambitious people set out to become doctors, bankers and lawyers because they can make good money, work on interesting challenges and be respected at cocktail parities. Sure they have lots of downsides too, but the benefits are more emphasized. If some of those smart ambitious people became programmers because they got to see the benefits (financial or otherwise) of being a developer, that would not be a bad thing.