TBH I think this is a feature, not a bug. Over-credentializing coding will limit creativity. If you want a better existing paradigm, consider design (as in the broad field of design, which includes graphic, fashion, industrial, etc.)

That's fine with me because I favor the trade direction. I tell my mentees to make things in good taste that they're proud to show people, like a cabinet maker.

After dealing with many legacy projects from "creative" developers, I don't think standardizing on some basic practices would be a bad thing

That might increase efficiency but I bet it would reduce joy. As someone who joined the industry for the joy aspect, not the efficiency and money aspect, that’s not very appealing to me. Besides, I think standardization is already happening and being rewarded in the form of higher salaries for people who are fluent in modern frameworks and practices.

>There's no licensure, no guild, no liability,

Those are all things that are near-universally features of working a trade, so what exactly is the difference between a trade and a profession?

You got me there. I guess I think of specific trades that don't have those aspects. As far as I am aware, you don't need a state license to be a machinist. But yes, you do need those things to be an electrician etc.

So I guess software development is just basically like bagging groceries. Totally informal.

See now I don’t think I’d consider grocery bagging a trade because there isn’t really any skill involved. You could pick just about any person off the street and they’d be able to bag groceries.

That makes recruiting a very fun game.

I wouldn't believe the stories on candidates failing FizzBuzz until I saw it with my own eyes, several times!