The Agile mantra these days is write code instead of talking, but there's no faster way to iterate than to have a conversation. Sure you've got to write code at some point, but save yourself wasted hours and days doing the wrong thing and talk about it for 30 minutes.
People seem to forget that code is a means, not an end.
P.S. Down-voting the OP for having a different opinion, for shame Hacker News.
On re-read, I'm guessing the down votes are for tone. It reads a little rigid and preachy to me now.
What I was attempting to describe is the mindset our team currently has, not what yours should have.
Our particular team of 8 devs is happy and productive with it. I do understand that this approach could be less than ideal for a different team, or the same team working on projects of a different nature.
People seem to forget that code is a means, not an end.
P.S. Down-voting the OP for having a different opinion, for shame Hacker News.