When I used to be a VFX artist, we were using Houdini, which gives as much power as writing code, but with instant feedback and the ability to quickly iterate. This software has gained popularity over the years because it makes you so efficient. You get the same power as code, with added speed and no friction. Exchanging ideas and setups with your peers is so easy.
It's based on those principle that I think the 3D on the web is still lacking this kind of tool, and the reason I'm building polygonjs [1], a node-based editor, which takes inspiration from Houdini/unreal and others and bringing this to javascript.
And the debate of code vs node-based is very subjective. Always interesting to hear people's take on why they love or hate it.
Code is great for creativity and working in the flow state.
Both are useful. I'd also argue that both are necessary.