"Scrum Masters don’t have to be ex-developers. BUT.

They have to have enough understanding of the technical work the developers do to be able to ask relevant questions and coach the team."

EXACTLY.

And I would have not said "Scrum Masters" - I would have said team leads, or coaches, or anyone in any kind of leadership role.

(BTW, a SM is a leader - anyone who has influence is a leader. Leadership is influence.)

Well said Daria!!!