Sure we need a skilled workers as I highlighted before that Apollo computer was made by women as they were good at knitting.
Yes, we need a team and a healthy balance (dependent on the department) between researchers, engineers and skill workers.
My whole argument was that PhD or research broadens your horizon. I don't think just through experience you can learn that. Look at this famous stages of learning.
Synthesis and evaluation are core competency of the researcher. MS and BS students are good at analysis whereas skilled workers are good at application. It is just an opinion.
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