Many places don't factor code nor like factored code (from a duplication standpoint). Thus, programmers are fairly likely to encounter copy-N-paste code whether they like it or not.

I wonder if any editors are specially designed to manage and edit replication-happy code. For example, take 2+ files of code, compare them, and create a pattern profile that highlites what is the same and what is different, and perhaps even make the similarities into virtual parameters so that one can change one spot and have that change ripple across to other references and/or files with the same pattern. (The same applies to code snippets within the same file).

IOW, if you can't beat 'em, find a way to make joining them easier.