[richmarr]

Fear of change is justifiable in my opinion; offense isn't.

There are parts of any expertise that are formulaic, and by using the word "parts" I'm being generous to humankind.

Should systems/ops folks be 'offended' that PaaS are becoming the default choice for new projects?

If you DO think they should be offended, then I think you're flat wrong. Being offended by commoditisation is like being angry at entropy, or enraged by gravity.

If you DON'T think they should be offended; why not? Does their job not require thought, or creativity? I'd answer that one carefully if I were you ;)