The fact that these are "big deal" developers on some pretty important projects is the problem.

Also the fact that Mr. Haines is always promoting improving ones craft by writing code makes his comments even worse.

I feel that this comment on being a dick by jbrennan to be pretty decent:

"Next time you feel like mocking another developer for his or her lack of skills in a certain area, stop yourself. Talk to the person and explain to them why you think something they are doing is incorrect or how it could be done better. This way, you don’t come off as a jerk, and the other developer learns something new and improves. And I’d be surprised if you didn’t learn something from the experience, too."