I have been involved with TPs for many years both from an OEU and Release To Service Standpoint. There is no doubt that there is a place for TPs in the RAF but it has changed over the past 40 years. The pilots selected for ETPS are all Well Above The Average.
Most of the bad press received by TPs has been out of frustration by the FL not receiving what they think they want. The blame lay at "the system", MODPE, BD and QinetiQ. The tardy way that they have done their business and ripped off the tax payer was a disgrace.
The remit of the person responsible for an aircraft's RtoS is to seek BEST ADVICE. If the established system could not provide it, then look elsewhere.
A certain GC at the AWC some years ago had the vision to incorporate TPs within OEUs. I believe that within the FJ community this has worked well. It managed to take much of the power away from BD without them realising. BAEs realised that their TPs lacked credibility with the FL and so the new breed maintained CR status on a squadron as Reservists.
Being a TP is a laudable achievement within the aviation community. It is only the w*****s in high places that have been responsible for the qualification being under rated. Hopefully, that is all in the past!