That's the point I am making, and the point of asking "what is the alternative"

Developers aren't alone in adhering to schedules. Many folks in many roles do it. All deal with missed deadlines, success, expectation management, etc. No one operates in magical no-timeline land unless they do not at all answer to anyone or any user. Not the predominant model, right?

So rather than just say "you can blame the PMs" I'd love to hear a realistic-to-business flow idea.

I am not saying I have the answers or a "take". I've both asked for and been asked for estimates and many times told people "I can't estimate that because I don't know what will happen along the way."

So, it's not just PMs. It's the whole system. Is there a real solution or are we pretending there might be? Honest inquiry.