[tdeck]

This page is literally the second result when you Google "benefits of code review":

https://www.browserstack.com/guide/code-review-benefits

> Code Review enhances the maintainability of the Code. It ensures that multiple people are aware about the code logic and functioning, which makes it easy to maintain in case the original author of the code is unavailable.

The fact that you've been "hacking" for three decades and never considered this isn't something to wear as a badge of honor. As for your absurd straw man about everyone on the team reviewing every line of code, I've never seen one organization that does that.

[bdangubic]

are aware about the code logic and functioning

awareness does not imply understanding :)

[RealityVoid]

No, but it's a minimal threshold. In the end, following the same rules prevents you from doing dumb mistakes and prevents a feeling of unfairness such as OP felt. And, if you can't follow your own rules because they're too annoying, maybe you should change them. So, really, there are multiple benefits. Just follow the rules.

[bdangubic]

which rules specifically are you talking about?

[RealityVoid]

The rules of the code review that the top level OP was talking about.