The problem is that when you do this, and then don't go to the meeting, and then a decision is made that you don't agree with, you are told, "well you had a chance but you didn't come to the meeting".
The other problem is that sometimes people will literally see you working in your cube/office during the meeting and then ask you why you declined if you clearly weren't busy, because they don't equate coding with being busy. Sitting at your desk == not busy in their mind.
So now you have a political problem because you're seen as uninterested/not a team player.
The other problem is that sometimes people will literally see you working in your cube/office during the meeting and then ask you why you declined if you clearly weren't busy, because they don't equate coding with being busy. Sitting at your desk == not busy in their mind.
So now you have a political problem because you're seen as uninterested/not a team player.