It still feels like gambling to me when I use AI code assistants to generate large chunks of code. Sometimes, it will surprise me with how well it does. Other times, it infuriatingly doesn't follow very precise instructions for small changes. This is even when I use it in the way that I often ask for multiple options for solutions and implementations and then choose between them after the AI tool does the course rating.

There are many instances where I get to the final part of the feature and realize I spent far more time coercing AI to do the right thing than it would have taken me to do it myself.

It is also sometimes really enjoyable and sometimes a horrible experience. Programming prior to it could also be frustrating at times, but not in the same way. Maybe it is the expectation of increased efficiency that is now demanded in the face of AI tools.

I do think AI tools are consistently great for small POCs or where very standard simple patterns are used. Outside of that, it is a crapshoot or slot machine.