> That said, the problem with the "hassle-free simplicity and dependability of digital photography" is that it cheapens everything and takes the fun and skill out of it.

Takes the skill out? Kind of. Accessible cameras make it easy for people to take acceptable photographs. Most people cannot take a great photograph with any camera.

I do think accessible cameras have made it harder for mediocre photographers to pass as good. The days when simply carrying an SLR gave an aura of competence are gone. Democratization of quality cameras closed the hardware gap for a lot of photography.