If you take the JAA route then there is a route to the C licence via a degree.
A look at the UK CAA web site explains it, but the jist is that as the SMI CRS signatory is in essence carrying out a administrative/managerial role, it is not necessary to be a B1/B2 engineer. The current situation is that most C engineers are also B1 or B2 however as time progresses this will change (especially when the companies realise that they don't have to pay the C licenced guy as much as the B1/B2 guys!!)
As for engineer or tech? It says engineer on my licence (albeit my CAA one) and I have the letters I.Eng after my name (for what they're worth) courtesy of the Engineering council and the RAeS. So I consider myself an engineer!