I take it by the way this thread has turned nasty, that you Pilots have conceded losing the debate.
There is NO doubt whatever that the best person to do Engineering work is an Engineer.
Equally true, the best person to do the Piloting is a Pilot.
The best and safest way to do preflights is to have two independent preflights, one by a Pilot and one by an Engineer.
I wish I had a dollar for every time I have heard Pilots say on long flights that they are bored stiff, as AN LAME pointed out, this is due in a large part to the work of the Engineers.
Also the uncalled for comments about Engineers shows just how much some of you know about it. An appropriately Licenced LAME does NOT HAVE to actually do the work himself/herself, they could be looking after several Aircraft at the same time (unlike a Pilot)however he/she takes the responsibility.