I don't know exactly which CS curriculum these people went through that didn't have to "work hard enough to understand something", but I'm pretty sure if you have to take (distinct) math classes like Differential and Integral Calculus, Abstract Algebra and Group Theory, Linear Algebra and Geometry; and next to that some other fundamental CS theoretical classes including Lambda Calculus, etc... all in the first year of your CS curriculum (which at least was the case here); you probably encountered a couple of hard nuts to crack.
Add to the mix in the later years a couple of more "applied" CS courses like compilers, interpreters and parsers; and of course; what everyone here is referring to as "good programming" some "easier" classes about Software Engineering, OO programming, Design Patterns and Databases, Networks, and that's basically what a CS curriculum looks like here (except from some possible AI, Machine Learning, Management, ... courses).
Of course, this still doesn't guarantee you a good Software Developer/Engineer (passion and motivation is very important), but the basis is as good as it gets.
So, Again, unless you guys have some university level CS curriculum where you graduate building a website in PHP, or unless these Javascript weenies actually had no CS background at all, I'm a bit weary of your statement.
Mind you, I hold EEs in high regard and would definitely hire even if not up to par with latest Node.js FizzBuzz framework.