Seamus, thank you for a pragmatic and well-reasoned article. I've been working as a software developer for 47 years - from coder to CEO. I've seen a lot of methodologies come and go. I'm a believer in the Agile Manifesto, but I've seen "Agile" misused more often than not. I agree with you that Agile is a culture, not a methodology.

Too often, I've watched companies adopt "Agile" tools and pseudo-methodologies without any management comprehension of what Agile means. That usually results in a hamster wheel for developers who are forced to deliver mediocre software.

Your article should be required reading for any manager wishing to succeed with Agile.