[gridspy]

> "We applaud a competitive coder, but this may be the modern equivalent to applauding a fast brick layer."

Competitive coding is still quite creative, which you contrast with brick-laying where muscle memory instead plays a big part. Perhaps compare instead to middle ages masonry experts who used custom cut rocks to build various curved outer walls and arches.

I agree that competitive coding is less creative generally than many other types of programming - often it is learned pattern matching combined with great quality execution.