> Why doesn't 'software architect' get the same criticism for not being an architect?

I'm married to an Architect, it bugs them too.

In most states - Legally they can't call themselves Architects until they've passed the AREs. You can't take the AREs until you have enough IDP hours (which takes about 3 years). You can't start IDP unless you have a Masters (or more recently a "professional bachelors"). Oh, and you have to take a new test for every state / country you want to practice Architecture in (Reciprocity is getting better but not quickly)

So it's that sense that they have to scratch and claw to get the title where we can just sort of make it up that bugs them.

I think we should switch to a different title scheme. I'm going to be a Doctor of Site Reliability (you know since I'm already doing operations....)