Maybe it's me, or my non CS background, but I feel that many positions could be filled by a "normal" programmer that doesn't spend nights coding esoteric algori

Maybe it's me, or my non CS background, but I feel that many positions could be filled by a "normal" programmer that doesn't spend nights coding esoteric algorithms. On the other hand, the esoteric algos guy might get bored in a job that seems requires routines (bug fixes, testing, coding boring interfaces, etc.) and might not play that well in a team. I know teamworking is a buz word, such as "passion" and "drive" also, I know esoteric algorithms are fun, but one has to face the reality that sometimes complexity hides somewhere else, not in the programming craft by itself. Actually, if you are a start up, I think the real complexity hides in the business itself (ie: getting customers to pay you) and I am pretty sure the difference between a passionate normal programmer and one that makes lisp interpreters during breakfast is slim to the end goal of said start up (which is, let's remember, to make more money than what is spent).