That's not necessarily true. I've run into this sort of situation in the past (never worked for them, just seen it), and the attitudes of the non-technical people towards the technical ones tends to be one of "they're just programmers: they're taking my brilliant vision and merely transcribing it onto the computer, like a typist!".
These kinds of people, who believe that building a successful software company is 99% inspiration and 1% perspiration tend to be egotistical and clueless. I bet they've never heard of HN, and even if they read this thread would be convinced they could find yet another poor 21/22 year old sucker to employ for under market rates. The unfortunate thing is that they're probably right about the latter.
If I was anyone but the programmer I'd probably be crapping myself. Which tells you something about the position you are in. (i.e. one of power)