[verdverm]

> But what happens when that abstraction fails? as abstractions often do

One of the upsides to agents is that you can try out several abstractions instead of just one. You should absolutely be reading / spot checking the output (depending on context).

While skill loss is often the focus, there is also skill gain. I have learned new coding patterns or framework features through these tools.

On you main question, effort. Like everything, you have to use it or you lose it. I never saw my skill as a developer being the part where I peck at keys. It's the thinking and designing process, which I get to do way more of now that I don't have to peck.

Recommendation: build greenfield side projects, exercise building out all the parts. This will make you better at both being a developer and an agent manager.