I think that it matters if you can dig into anything. Given reasonable timespan being able to learn x64 machine code, debug and fix buggy driver if necessary, for example. If you're program has GC issues, being able to read papers, read GC source code if necessary and find right set of parameters or change some lines of code. If your Rails app has vulnerability because of underlying HTTP issues, being able to learn more about those HTTP issues, read RFC if necessary, read Ruby http code if necessary and provide required fix. If your manager heard about Meltdown issue and wonders whether our services are vulnerable, real programmer should be able to read papers, understand vulnerability and whether it's important (to shut down services, for example) or not.

Abstractions are leaky. I've yet to encounter one which doesn't leak.

Though if you're working in a team, it's not necessary for everyone to be real programmer. One or two is enough. Those tasks which require real programming are rare, most of tasks are mundane.