I believe the comparisons between how engineering is practiced make this more than "silly". The purpose of the writing is not to answer that shallow question, but to better understand both fields.
'Real' engineers are not judged by whether or not they can build a bridge as if it's some rite of passage to being a real engineer. That's ridiculous on the face of it.
That he used this example as some kind of proof to justify his argument is where he lost me.
Seems like you're just interested in name calling. When people resort to name calling it usually means they've lost the argument.
But I'm sorry you're having a bad day.
I'll leave it that. Thank you and take care.