Why did they need to know how to code? I've not seen it, so won't answer - but it could be coder snobbery in a company that was founded and run by developers. At times I wish all the sales people I had to work with had done some coding.
In Star Wars, why didn't all the Jedi use the double lightsaber like Darth Maul? Is it definite that it would be an advantage? I know its not an entirely fair comparison as a lightsaber can be turned off for carrying, but how many double ended swords are you aware of? I think its possibly difficult to use and even more dangerous to the wielder than a conventional saber.