Qualitative coding requires a deep engagement with the data that leads to novel insights, new research questions, and more nuanced understandings of the phenomenon of interest. Quantitative methods are good for verifying hypotheses about the phenomenon at scale. A healthy field needs both.

For years, we ran a large project involving (manual) qualitative coding. We had a few technical students who negotiated their way out and opted for a more tech-centric role (eg topic modeling). 100% of our papers (and novel research questions) were led by the students doing the qualitative coding.

The ambiguity of who "the bastard" is in this crucial part of the story is making my entire evening.