I think given the nature of programming as it stands it is not. It is possible to be good at thinking computationally, but when it comes to platform specific implementation details and changing requirements not much can be done.
I admire your courage to basically call everyone on this site a bad programmer ;-).<p>I also disagree with you. Why do you think nothing can be done about changing requirements? I also don't see how a client/boss changing requirements makes me a bad programmer. This is in same line of thinking as saying someone is bad at sports because sometimes it rains when they go to the park to play.<p>AS for platform specific implementations details there are people who have built entire careers around being experts in platform specifics.
If by good programmer you mean someone who produces code to some notionally optimal level in a real world environment then, sure, that's close to impossible.<p>If you mean someone who knows everything about every facet of computing then that ships probably sailed too.<p>If you mean someone who delivers software that changes the way people live and work in meaningful ways then it's most definitely possible as I see the evidence every day.
> It is possible to be good at thinking computationally, but when it comes to platform specific implementation details and changing requirements not much can be done.<p>Its quite possible to be an expert at platform specific implementation details for various platforms, or to be good at analyzing new platforms and understanding those details, so that part is something one can be good at, or not, too.<p>Its also possible to be better or worse at designing software to be maintainable in the face of evolving requirements.
I've never been in a situation where programming was an "end" in and of itself. It has always (for me) been a means to an end.<p>So, I think: yes, it's definitely possible to be a good programmer. If your work-activity furthers the larger goals that you're working towards (in an effective and efficient way), then you're pretty good in my book.