Wait, so you have seen 10x variations in productivity but assume because 'bob' is say better able to avoid interruptions that does not mean he is a 10x better programmer? Programming is not just a question of time spent in front of a computer soft skills are important. If someone looks at inconsistent requirements and get's clarification rather than jump into a quagmire without end they are being more productive even if there not writing code at the time.
I think the 10-50x observed increase in productivity is task specific. But, people also deal with a finite list of specific problems so what if bob is 2x as productive on random tasks if there is 10 years worth of work where he can be 10x as productive he is worth a lot more than the average programmer.
I think the 10-50x observed increase in productivity is task specific. But, people also deal with a finite list of specific problems so what if bob is 2x as productive on random tasks if there is 10 years worth of work where he can be 10x as productive he is worth a lot more than the average programmer.