[nybblesio]

The OP's example is perfect: he didn't go to the leaf-nodes and write each test by hand. Instead, it was clear that writing a tool to do the job would be better. Software is all about leverage. This is what defines a 10x programmer.

However, I'm constantly amazed how many programmers fail to see the forest for the trees.

To a large extent, not seeing (or seeing and ignoring) this type of solution is learned behavior. Many environments are hostile to this world view. Writing tools (especially those that generate code...eek!) is seen as "over-engineering" and "unnecessary complexity". If you're in a factory, on a line, your job isn't to climb away from your leaf-node.

Any programmer has the potential to be 10x, they just have to see and act upon it. Few do.

[skybrian]

It seems like you're almost debating yourself here, making arguments for opposite sides. If anyone could do it and environmental effects make all the difference, why emphasize individual initiative?

But maybe the best thing to do would be to find a better environment, if you can?