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How on earth does automation, docs, and testing turn programmers into cogs?

Automation is removing the repetative work that a cog would do.

Docs and testing allow you to take on work of greater scope by being more sure of yourself and what your coworkers have built.

What kind of devs do you expect to attract with a minimum wage? Some can create negative value.

I think this is sarcastic but also maybe a little bit true?

There is nothing true about it. Try hiring devs at min wage and report back what happens...