"Programmers do not respect authority, only ability."
A minor mischaracterization. Programmers respect authority that is derived from ability and historic record of ability to execute/produce. Authority is something you earn and must maintain. For many people, "authority" is merely asserted by someone in a position of power, with little to back it up other than their own claims of control.
I would characterize that as 'acceding to authority out of respect.' Respect, or course, must be earned and can so easily be lost when those in authority start to demand it.
A minor mischaracterization. Programmers respect authority that is derived from ability and historic record of ability to execute/produce. Authority is something you earn and must maintain. For many people, "authority" is merely asserted by someone in a position of power, with little to back it up other than their own claims of control.