MMM said adding more programmer to already late project doesn't make it finished faster. It didn't say having more programmer who already understand the project will make the project finish late. If that is true then one programmer must always be the optimal number to complete any project, which is clearly wrong.
Also, "less skilled programmers" are not always "incompetent programmers" so more of the former who already understands the system may be able to complete the project faster than fewer "more skilled programmers"
Yes I have. Do you remember why he said more programmers is a problem? Because it increases the amount of communication. Because of this, few higher skilled programmers get more done than more less skilled programmers, largely because less communication is required.
I've witnessed this directly many times over the years.
MMM does indeed say that too many programmers do indeed make a project late regardless of how far behind that project already is. Nine women can't have a baby in a month and all. Have you really read it? The book makes this quite clear. The Wikipedia page doesn't.
Also, "less skilled programmers" are not always "incompetent programmers" so more of the former who already understands the system may be able to complete the project faster than fewer "more skilled programmers"
Have you really read the mythical man month?