Nick,
If I have misread your post, then may I apologise in advance.
I get the impression that you perceive PEs to be a cut above the technician (mechanic in the US).
Might I advance the thought that such a view is the height of parochial and blinkered vision ? ... not to mention just a little bit arrogant ...
Might I suggest that the two disciplines are complementary rather than a master and servant relationship. As a PE of many years standing (and an absolute menace with a spanner), I have seen numerous examples where an experienced technician has saved a PE - including me, in ignorance or self-serving worship, from making a prize idiot of himself ... likewise the PE can help the technician in areas outside of the latter's expertise.
In the design arena, of which I have a lifelong experience, the PE who doesn't seek the relevant input of appropriate technicians can end up with a design which has unfortunate aspects ..... maintainability, access, ease and cost of manufacture and repair come to mind .....
Often, the practicalities dictate that the two disciplines function apart .. but I have yet to be convinced that this is the best solution ...
I have always held in high regard the old UK practice of PEs coming up via an apprenticeship ... far superior, I think, to the sort of out of school, into university, into the workforce system through which I was processed ...
Just a parochial thought from a parochial PE pilot who, nonetheless, appreciates the value and contribution of technicians..