Technically, macro was a crack. Not a hack. Hack should make things; Not break things.<p>But, I think you are right. Hacks have gone through the hype cycle. When every programmer wants to &quot;hack&quot; to be in the elite circle, they tend to push the boundaries that are grey -&gt; unethical -&gt; unlawful. It&#x27;s like those greedy bankers - except that they want to look cool; instead of money.