This seems simplistic. Ritual is an incredibly important part of human life.
I say this as a non-conformist in many areas. But I conform in many that bring me no pleasure. For instance, I don't meet clients in shorts or pajamas, though either would be more comfortable.
What's the difference between that rule and wearing a suit at the White House?
Respect doesn't have to be an exclusive either/or between ritual and quality work.
And either way, if the "software engineering dress code" becomes shorts and sandals and you'd be looked down on for wearing a shirt and tie, well, you're still a conformist. You're just selling out to a different rule book.
I was a non-conformist in high school and much of my undergrad, but you'd probably never have known it, as I wore things which were comfortable (and happened to be inoffensive) rather than going out of my way to dress in the same uncomfortable things that all the other "non-conformists" wore to show society they didn't care, man.
I say this as a non-conformist in many areas. But I conform in many that bring me no pleasure. For instance, I don't meet clients in shorts or pajamas, though either would be more comfortable.
What's the difference between that rule and wearing a suit at the White House?
Respect doesn't have to be an exclusive either/or between ritual and quality work.