I think also there are different degrees of mechanical empathy in people. It's not an intelligence or intellect issue, it's just one of those things.
I've flown with some perfectly competent and safe pilots who handle the aircraft like a frying pan and frankly make me cringe. Not because they are doing anything that's unsafe or frightening; they just don't have any feel for the machine. It's all 'x followed by y' rather than 'what's it trying to tell me now?'
I'm not an instructor; do those of you who are think that this is because of the way they have been taught or is it one of those unteachable things?
Edit: Jetsetter, just read your post, the above isn't aimed at you!
