I think the notion that AI tools are actually intelligent and AI does the important work while the programmer only does tidy up work is manipulative framing.

The same as with many kinds of automation which denies the human part of the work, for better exploitation. It reminds me in self-service cash registers which are said to be fully automated - but the customer does now the work of the cashier and is given the responsibility of the employee.

Nobody would say a book itself is smart, in spite of printed books being a powerful technology, and some books containing deep thoughts. Nobody would say a photographic camera does the actual work of a painter. It is a tool which can help to create art in the hands of an artist