HTML Code "the old fashioned way"

When I first started experimenting in class with HTML code, I was blown away by how intricate and detailed it was.  I remember thinking "wow, you would really have to love this to type out code all day long".  Of course I later learned about Expression Web and other programs that make website creation much easier and more fun.  

Because of my individual interests and personality, I see using Expression Web as a far more efficient and enjoyable method; however, there are several advantages to knowing the ins and outs of HTML code.  Just as a pilot must know how to manually operate a plane, a programmer should be versed in code.  Even though present day pilots do a lot of switch-flipping because planes are programmed to function automatically, they must know how to fly "the old fashioned way" in case something should malfunction.  Also, I think that a programmer has to work within certain limitations or boundaries when using a formatted software; this could limit his or her creativity and eliminate the need to "think outside the box" when designing.