mostly agree, but I think we're being a bit too comfortable with the "AI just replaces syntax writers" take. that was true in 2023. the gap is closing faster than most people in this thread want to admit.
the real question isn't whether AI replaces the role entirely — it's whether companies will hire 5 engineers instead of 20 because those 5, armed with AI, can do the same output. that's already happening at some startups. headcount compression is the actual threat, not full replacement.
the "focus on architecture and problem solving" advice is correct but it also can't be the answer for everyone. not every engineer becomes a systems architect. a lot of solid mid-level devs do genuinely repetitive work and that's where the pressure will land first.