I have to agree that you're missing the point. Using your plumbing example: learning about plumbing can be handy so that you can know how to deal with plumbers. You can appreciate what they do and you can even have a general idea of how to manage them and if you're getting screwed over by them. I find that managers manage better when they have SOME technical background. I don't want them to be programmers, just to have some experience. You're right that they shouldn't think that learning to program for a month (or even a year) makes them good, but they should get a taste (and know that they're only getting a taste)

Don't forget OnLive! I just bought it (on sale for $15) and I can play it on my Mac without the need for a fancy video card.