EDIT:jacquesm, do you have a voting ring or why are your posts at 2 points (and mine at 0) the instant you post?
I can do both (lay bricks and code), and I think there is a distinct parallel between laying bricks and writing code. Both use simple, re-usable building blocks to create very complex systems that need to be built to high standards if they are expected to stand the test of time.
The equivalent between the architecture and the algorithm designer is a similar one.
To demand a share of the cake just for laying the bricks tells me that you should not be doing work for hire but that you should be working as an independent contractor or as a starter-upper. You can't expect 'none of the risks and some of the gains' in a position like that.
A 'mere' programmer, just like a 'mere' bricklayer can be replaced by another programmer or bricklayer.
An architect or an algorithm designer contributes something uniquely theirs without which an endeavour might not happen at all.
Programmers are a rare profession in that they seem to think that somehow their contribution to a project is unique enough that they by the simple act of transcribing a specification to a working prototype have become co-owners, no other discipline suffers from this misconception.
If you want a slice of the action put up your money, but don't just put in your time, expect a paycheck and a slice of the cake if all you do is code, you are more than likely to be found 'expendable'.
you are saying coders should be treated the same as bricklayers (salary); but are algorithm designers treated same as architects? I believe the former are paid percentage and later paid salary.
It seems financial sector do not follow the same rule as construction business.
If there is anybody on HN that has an aversion against voting rings it probably is me, and I wouldn't ever stoop so low as to cheat on something as silly as a conversation on a website (or anywhere else for that matter).
Whoever voted for me is free to step forward, I swear I haven't a clue who voted me up and you down.
edit: This sort of ticks me off by the way, within two days I first get this character calling me a troll: http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=1556756 , now I have a voting ring? Way to go).
edit2: and if I had a voting ring my posting http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=1560732 would not be stuck at 3 votes ;)