very few who are fantastic at what they do.
aviatorhi, the same can be said for Captains. Many are very capable pilots, many are great guys, many are both. For you to label most PFE's, FE's and FO's as only average at what they do says much about the training they received. Professional FE's from where I come are just that. Most have had an extensive background in aircraft maintenance before training as FE's and generally have a very good knowledge of how aircraft work. They may not be pilots, some are, but I think most pilots who flew, or fly, with a FE believe they play an important role in the operation. Some, like yourself it seems, don't miss an opportunity to reduce the input of the FE and the FO.