This is so true. Doesn't mean the idea is not important, just that, like everything, there are compromises. More generally, I find that an uncharacteristic proportion of blog entries are written from the perspective of "change the world" efforts. Not everything is like that. I agree with you njharman, most of the time, there are certain things, like the team, that you can't do a whole lot about. The real skill is getting the most out of those situations. If it is a true "change the world" effort then sure, before you join the project demand that everyone else be let go and you hire the team from scratch. <tongue in cheek>

You make an important point. However I think there is value in thinking about the "right people" also in fixed organizations, especially larger ones.

If you have tens or hundreds of developers, you will have various kinds of tasks. Some people feel more committed to certain kinds of tasks, so matching these will certainly make your organization more efficient. Sadly, this fact is often overlooked by work-dispatcher who might be under the illusion that for developers it does not matter what they are working with or how long they are committed to a certain area.