How do you figure that web development is blue-collar work? Even for hyperbole, this is quite a stretch. Whatever your intent was, it just comes off as elitist.
Web development involves a little creative effort and a great deal of repetitive, tedious work. While sedentary, it requires heavy physical exertion to sit still the whole day. It is usually a low-prestige, low-power role within an organization. It does not require much academic education. I would like to be elitist, but what drives me is despair.
There is a lot of development that I think can be categorized this way. Someone learned a skill 5 or 10 or even 15 years ago, and goes to work everyday and essentially punches a clock. Having done ColdFusion for a large part of my career, I see this pattern in that community.
It does come off as elitist, and I think he could have communicated a great deal better. I agree that your identity shouldn't be wrapped up in some particular technology you use, but you also shouldn't have to prop up your identity by trying to insult others.
