[bcent]

I agree completely.

One of the big things that made me think about it like that was his stance on generic code. As in my experience it tends to lead to over-engineering, and less efficient code (as you need to account for more things).

It's takes some experience to know when the extra effort is worth the time; and it sounds like Mr. X very well slanted towards practicality ... throwing a little idealism at him where you think it's needed... AFTER you understand his reasoning... will make both him, and you better at the end of the day.