There are plenty of sub-fields where you do want someone with experience. I wouldn't put an iOS developer into a position where they have to write kernel code.

yep. The sooner you come across it, the sooner you start building skills that actually help you become more effective for your effort, like learning how to build teams and managing the social graph of an engineering organization.

We've raised the floor so much in FANG tier companies, that the differential of programming skill isn't what makes you more effective. I mean, save for the top 1% freaks ;P