0. I was surprised that I submitted this link because I typically submit a link not to submit a link but to find the link already submitted. My intent was search not submission.
And the cycle continues swinging back and forth. "Let them eat cake" is not sustainable either. It usually ends in violence despite the rationalizations of the elite.
"In contrast, the doctor has certifications, a professional order, etc. So does the lawyer."
That is the entire point. A Professional Engineer is the equivalent of a board certified medical doctor, or a lawyer admitted to the Bar in a particular state. In Ohio, a Professional Engineer is defined as http://www.peps.ohio.gov/4733/473301.aspx Restrictions are outlined at http://www.peps.ohio.gov/4733/4733021.aspx Note the exception for train engineers. You can use the term engineer as long as you don't confuse anybody into thinking you are a real engineer, i.e. sanitation. I like to call myself the Doctor of Love, but no one is going to think I'm claiming to be a real medical doctor.
There are legal consequences for claiming that you are an engineer when you are not. Check out the 2014 consequences in Ohio at http://www.peps.ohio.gov/NewsReleases/2014.aspx You get your name in print and in public for being incompetent and unethical. It is similar in all the other states.
The disciplines that can become Professional Engineers are listed on the right hand column here http://www.peps.ohio.gov/Exams/ExamDates%7CDisciplines.aspx Unfortunately, software engineering didn't make the list, although, electrical and computer did. I can think of circumstances where you would want software engineers to make the list. This is probably the result of corporate influence. PEs are more expensive. And a blanket Certificate of Authorization (CA) is cheaper. If you are an engineer via a company CA, you are only an engineer while working at that company.
You might claim that this is just rent seeking similar to a barber certificate. Yet, not many people die or have their lives ruined by barbers. You might get lice though.
It is interesting that you can no longer become a PE with a 4 year degree anymore that I am aware of. You used to be able to, although your apprenticeship was considerably longer.
It seems the break is between redistribution and regulation. They argue that redistribution tend to result in lower regulation.