I think we're talking past each other. There's always been a threshold: above it, code changes are worth the effort; below it, they sit in backlog purgatory. AI tools so far seem to lower implementation costs, moving the threshold down so more backlog items become viable. The "5x productivity" crowd is excited about this expanded scope, while skeptics correctly note the highest value work hasn't fundamentally changed.

I think what's happening is two groups using "productivity" to mean completely different things: "I can implement 5x more code changes" vs "I generate 5x more business value." Both experiences are real, but they're not the same thing.

https://peoplesgrocers.com/en/writing/ai-productivity-parado...