I think there is a deeper problem with programming though, one that cannot be solved through visual interfaces alone. There seems to be a big group of people (50-60% of the population according to this paper
http://www.eis.mdx.ac.uk/research/PhDArea/saeed/paper1.pdf, though I can't judge how correct this is) that are not able to properly learn programming of any kind, simply because they don't understand the extreme brutality of it's logic. They would want to tell the computer what to do in natural language, as if it was a human.
I think that the kind of mental state that you put yourself into when programming leads to a de-humanization of the self (and the computer, obviously) which is very problematic for a person who wishes to explore the human condition ("create art"). It's a lot like thinking too much about the game mechanics when designing a game.
Also - although writing code (text) never feels like painting, for me it often feels like writing a book. I format things, move it around, make up good names for things, etc. In theory the logic that text equals engineering and visuals equals art is flawed, at least if you are OK with calling some books art.
In practice though I think that you're right Michael about a visual interface helping us to break away from some of the destructiveness of programming... not only because of it's aesthetics but also because it is simply easier on the brain and focuses less on small, irrelevant details. In the end it might be the best solution (except for having your personal code monkey that obeys your smallest whim and that you just talk to in your mother tongue).
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