if i'm trying to practice problem solving, why would i feed my problem into something that's going to spit out -- in the best case -- suggestions depending on the completed-ness of my input, and worse case: a proposed solution.

if i'm trying to practice handwriting -- why would i use a type writer, or word processor?

i am not sure how using a machine to do the work you're trying to practice makes you better at that practice, since it's doing the.. mechanics.. for you.

as another commenter pointed out i feel there is a distinction between programmer vs. software engineer just as there is a distinction between writing and say, novelist.

i understand the notion of practicing, and getting better at an evolved workflow for producing results -- but we're practicing foundational skills, not trying to reduce everything simply to achieving results by any means necessary.

i feel that producing results without understanding is a short-sighted investment, and not exactly the point of AoC imo.