Wow Steve, looks like you've sparked quite a philosophy session this hump-day morning!

I think that before adding programming to any curriculum, we need to add a logic classes first. I've seen too many people writing code that assume they are logical because they can code. And then a discrete mathematics class. Even if they don't go on to coding, they could at least figure out how many outfits 4 shirts, 3 pants and 2 pairs of shoes make. 😛

Also, in my world, I am not seeing a rush of people trying to code spreadsheets, access db's, mobile apps or anything else. I'm seeing people asking for these tools and in some cases, not really understanding what it is they will use them for. And what it takes to create them. I'm think 'we' (techs, programmers, dba's) are becoming more...separated?... defined?... as a group, as necessary personnel for any business to create these tools. As opposed to the controller who programs his own spreadsheets or the sales rep that creates his own pricing matrix.