[uberPhil]

Or it could just be that the younger crowd is using the tech that is popular today, therefore they are in higher demand.

10 years from now some next best thing will replace Ruby and the cycle continues..

As in my original post, the issue I have is the concept of knowing how to write your own language being considered a HIGHER skill then someone knowing Sharepoint or visual basic in depth.

Who's right is it to say that my particular skill is better or higher then yours..

[brildum]

Knowing how hardware works, how languages are compiled/designed, how libraries are architected. It can only increase your knowledge of [insert technology here].

I think you're confusing "Levels" with A > B (A is better than B) when in reality the point is that: A comes after B. You must first understand B, then you can move on to the next level in your path of understanding programming.