I think this ignores some ideas which make the topic more complicated. If code is a tool, then like any tool, the more you use it the more adept you are at using it. Almost anyone can hit a nail with a hammer, but a skilled carpenter can drive a nail in one, maybe two hits. A less experienced carpenter, maybe three or four. In software that translates to less refactoring, more thoughtful design on the first go, and fewer bugs. Experience is not an unimportant factor in software quality and "time behind the wheel"--while maybe not the most important factor--does make a difference.

> Enthusiasts often have a strong grasp of the tools and technologies they use. On the other hand, they are sometimes prone to holy wars and zealotry (they feel it’s important to choose the very best tool), and until they finally realize software is a means, not an end, they have a harder time working towards goals that aren’t about writing software.

This is based on the false assumption that enthusiasts fall into a specific archetype. The rest of the article makes the assumption that coding outside of work is a solitary activity that doesn't involve soft skills. Both are not always true. Though I don't find the technology appealing myself, one only needs to look to the cryptocurrency community to see a vibrant and collaborative group of people who are building software outside of their day jobs. Large chunks of Firefox have been built by volunteers. Hell, ECMAScript is built on the shoulders of the community. I don't think it's fair to discount the non-technical skills that one could develop outside an office environment while still working on software. You could just as easily not code outside of work and also not have soft skills that your enthusiast coworkers lack.

The author is right that coding outside work isn't necessary, but I think there's a subtlety to the argument that's missed. Enthusiasts who hone their skills correctly do come out well rounded and end up being rewarded for their effort. Pragmatists also can hone their skills--technical or otherwise--and come out more well rounded also. But experience does matter, at least somewhat, and being in an office building isn't a magic bullet for improving yourself.