I think it depends what you're using it for.
Obviously if my focus is web design and I'm looking to offer and master every bell and whistle, then I'm going to want to have an intimate knowledge of coding.
If I'm doing mostly print/identity work and my client is looking for a simplistic but polished and well-put-together custom site, I think Dreamweaver and the like are a great way to go. (I should note that DW is the only WYSIWYG app I've used . . . can't speak for others)
As with anything, there are masters and purists (which are very much needed in a lot of situations). But most of the time, as an independent working with smaller clients, Dreamweaver does the job above and beyond their needs/expectations.
Having said that, I think knowing how to code is a definite advantage when using Dreamweaver (or other WYSIWYG apps)--if only to understand how the elements are fitting together/organized, how to fix little bugs, etc.
I would think DW is a faster creative process, too . . . can anyone who's worked both ways comment on that?
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