I think that overstates the difference. I think a better analogy is architects vs. construction workers. Any decent architect will have a pretty strong understanding of the realities of construction, and an experienced construction worker who has moved around through different trades could probably design a decent house. But you'd only trust a trained architect on bigger, more complex projects, and you'd want disciplined, experienced construction workers doing the work on anything that is meant to last.

Maybe in the 1800's.

Today cutting edge astronomy isn't that removed from telescope design. Understanding how the instrument works and it's limitations is pretty much essential to understand the data it produces.

The version I heard is "Calling it 'computer science' is like calling surgery 'knife science'."

(Good day for Dijkstra quips on HN today.)