[galoisscobi]

You assume that IP once created stands on its own. The programming as theory building view suggests that IP will degrade once people who have robust mental models about how the IP was created and works. So software/IP in essence has two critical parts that need to be there, the actual work that was created and robust mental models living in people’s heads who continue to work on those projects.

It also goes against the idea that programmers are replaceable cogs that management can change out as and when they want to.

[Filligree]

I think you're misunderstanding the GP. He's not saying the people aren't valuable; he's saying they aren't assets. That is to say, they aren't property.

Which isn't what 'asset' means, but it is the central meaning; using it on people always felt squicky to me.