Like every proffesion, some are more competant than others, but are far from half wits. The problem these days is the bean counters are looking to keep every cent they can, so excellent designs get sent back to shave some happy cabbage off. I do not think the engineers are happy about it, but find a corner or two that can be cut. The bean counters keep the money saving pressure on until failures crop up and warranty claims go up. Ford is finding this with their Ecoboost engines. Pretty much all the DOD or AFM engines are having cam and lifter problems. For the miniscule saving in pickups and full size SUVs, the idea should have been stillborn!