[badpun]

> (A) the maximum sustainable work week is 40 hours

I wonder about this. If by "work" we define coding and code-related activities (code reviews, learning new tech etc.), then I don't think I can sustainably pull anything close to 40 hours per week. 25 (or mayyybe 30) sounds like a more realistic number.

Judging by what happens in the companies I've worked at, i.e. people slacking off for significant portions of the day, or sitting in meetings (which is usualy not nearly as tiring as coding), I think that's probably the norm. What we're missing is the companies acknowledging this fact instead of insiting on the arbitrary number of 40 hours per week. Few things are more frustrating than having to occupy a chair at work when you know you're already spent for the day, and could be already at home recharging for the next day.