I don't have anything to add but wanted to drop a note to say that I really enjoyed this discussion and reading the various approaches. I've worked as a sys admin in a highly heterogeneous environment where 24/7 was critical (associated with patient care) and I've worked as a programmer in research where lucky users were supported between 8am and 5pm. Clearly the needs vary depending on users, systems, etc. Clearly the demands on the admin and/or programmer also vary greatly.

Thanks again for sparking such a discussion.