sure, but my point is that it's not because $field_a is easier than $field_b, but since $field_a allows to hack something up quickly even by inexperienced people, there is the feeling that $field_b is harder and more worthy just because it's difficult to get anything done without working hard.

Replace $field_a and $field_b with (guitar, sitar), (piano, violin), (digital design, rf), (software, hardware), (python script, kernel programming), .....

yet in every of $field_a there are masters whose work is at least as exciting and worth praise (if not even more) than most those that master $field_b. Although it's true that $field_b requires more skill in average to enter.