Depends on the credentials. PhD in math/physics/engineering vs basket weaving. There are some very smart people in liberal arts but the credential itself is not predictive.

It's not popular opinion these days but elite universities do get a lot of talent. I work with young doctors from both Stanford and a community training program and the difference in the average intelligence/competence, especially early on in training is quite stark, even between Stanford and where I trained (UC). Saw a similar large gap when I was in the midwest between SLU and WashU students.

Among the phd professors I know, none of them go by "Dr."

What I've found is that it's usually those of lesser degrees who insist on being called "Dr.", for whatever reason.

I think it's because the ones who actually know their stuff don't feel the need to rely on credentials. They're comfortable that they can establish everything they believe from the arguments. Thus, touting your credentials is a sign that you don't trust in your ability to establish your own aguments.

Yeah standardized tests suck except that they are better indicators than every other subjective measurement tool.

What do you mean by hothoused?

I’ve lost many arguments because I simply don’t care enough to fight any longer, even though that doesn’t mean I was actually convinced I was wrong

Defanately rite.