It is true that programming computers can be simpler than programming people. The high status career paths are the ones where the individuals who make up that career path demand respect. Techies don't demand respect because we don't spend our time mastering social situations pecking order and people manipulation.

If all us coders get together and decide to walk out if we don't get respect like the highest status careers, then we will get it. Usually techies are not concerned with being seen as baseball stars or heros, we care about contributing to society and making as much money as possible. It's supply and demand.