Yr right, I have not read anything above that suggests pilots here are claiming to 'no' more than the people who make and fix 'em, though I would venture that some pilots know much more about takeoff performance than some engineers. As one would expect.
In posts 11, 43 and 48 I have read clear, rational replies that tell me all a pilot needs to know to understand the effects of the PT-6 particle separator system on takeoff performance.
In fact those three replies are so good, I will unashamedly use their explanations if I am ever asked the question or need to teach performance.