There are lots of jQuery programmers. They know (how to read the docs of) the whole API and close to nothing about low-level JS. jQuery is a powerful and useful tool but it has grown to "replace" JS in the minds of many.
Just to be clear: I don't like this situation at all.
Yes, sadly you are right, and it's cos of this (IMO) that you end up in this situation. I'd hire an average JS guy over a average jQuery guy any day.
Sadly, I think there are jQuery "programmers".
i garee..not all so called JQuery programmers can be atleast able to debug a low level JS...