[mvdtnz]

Code review is not a "ritual". Our code is our output, and it is paid work. Most professions have some level of review. Go speak to a chartered accountant or an engineer and complain about the "ritual" of peer review and see how far you get.

We are professionals and it's about time we started acting like it.

[gavmor]

Of course code review is a ritual. All professionalism is. We establish norms and rites the performance of which increases shared understanding and predictable outcomes. I am not sure I understand what malign connotation this word carries for you.