Freedom30,
I couldn't agree with you more in that projected timelines have at times been overly ambitious and thus set backs happened and delays were (and are) a result of this -- I as well have found this frustrating especially with the decline in nickel prices (read opportunity cost of lost production time both at pre and full production levels).
I have met some P.Eng.'ers who were dumb as bricks imo and other P.Eng'ers who are incredible bright - much like any other Professional Designation .... at least it is a partial weeding out process of who can and can't read good ;)
All the best,
-B1-