[killermonkeys]

I've spent as much time hiring one designer as ten engineers. In that sense good designers are more rare and harder to discern. But they go and stay where they're respected (like engineers and everyone else) so I don't think this will change anyone's behavior toward them. Despite some of the negative comments here, i think most folks who have worked with a good designer can see the difference and don't accuse them of "superstar syndrome" any more than any other team member. That's not the same as respect and that is why it is hard to get them.