The problem isn't that "managers are pointless, they need to go", the problem is "most managers are not very good at their jobs". A bad combination of good ICs being promoted to management because it's the only way they can get their deserved raise (without regard for if they are well suited for the role or not), lack of training, lack of experience, and the org having poor management of managers in terms of no clue what they expect from managers never mind a way to hold them accountable.

In orgs with a strong culture of putting the right people into management and using managers effectively and appropriately, managers are a fantastic lever to see improvements in quality and velocity. In bad orgs, at best they are just wasted money, and at worst they are roadblocks and problem makers.

I think condemning all managers, though, is shortsighted and puts the blame in the wrong spot.

J.Ja