[cjdentra]

Its a great question. I believe IMHO that ultimately it boils down to the application; does it require computer science, some deep scientific understanding, or does it require basic knowledge of a language? Are you writing real-time Bayesian Learning algorithms for use on big data feeds for example or a sign-up form for a web site? Do you need to have fine control over where data is placed in memory so you can optimize performance (C/C++...assembly even?) or do you not need to know anything at all about memory management - and don't want to? There is a raft of questions like this.

Self taught programmers can write well but may be missing some of the nuance for why things are done one way over another or maybe be missing some tricks that save a lot of time. These limitations can be overcome by somebody committed to writing good quality code.