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When non-programmers think of developers they always imagine front end devs. Rarely do they understand the distinction or specialization of programming roles.

> backend devs get more respect than front end

This has not been my experience. FE are expected to know a lot, and most backend devs I've known respect that.

Backend devs definitely know that, but it's management or outsiders who seem to think otherwise.

I've performed both roles in my career but have always been impressed by talented frontend devs ability to make some otherwise batshit ui spec come to life ... but regardless, I was always paid more when I worked on the backend, and so was every other backend dev I knew. Maybe I'm the outlier.

Frontend devs who can also design (especially make impressive mock-ups) and talk OK are gods in meetings, which translates into better social standing (which can equal money, if they play their cards right and move into "product owner" and such, over time)