You hit that one on the, er, head, John.
I have often thought in the heat of the moment that if there is justice in the universe, I will be placed in charge of that part of hell reserved for engineers and designers. This is one of those areas where too many people have that attitude of, "Well, I have the degree, therefore I am infallible". How about getting out there and working with a wrench, hammer, what have you in your hand for awhile, so you know what the heck you are talking about? I don't have any beef with "good" engineers... the guys who have done it themselves, or have the sense to talk with those who have. Almost the same formula as for a good military officer.