No it doesn't. Compiling from source is still valid.
A lot of new users to Linux forget why Linux is so popular. Everyone wants convenience built into their OS( which is fantastic by the way!). However; sometimes programs fail to install correctly via a premade package or don't run right. Knowing how to compile binaries from source is nothing more an avenue of choice to take. This is the heart of why open source software is so fun use. Basically your options are open. If you can't do it one way; you can do it another. Your statement:
"apt-get cures a lot of ills and compiling from source is so 2002."
reeks of imaturity. It's as if my original comment was like I put on a shirt from last year and all the kids are pointing at me. LOL! Grow up dude or dudette! Adults are speaking here.