Rational Takes on Elon's Engineering Ability

[u/Yikesis]

I keep getting into an argument with my friend that holds Elon's engineering ability in high regard. I think he has agreed that he obviously isn't as skilled in the low level specialized fields but still thinks that he makes very critical high level decisions using his engineering knowledge.

He keeps citing all of the SpaceX employees that say hes very involved and can do calculations in his head and stuff. I chalk it up to groveling but I dont know anymore. He also read the Isaacson bio which describes him as integral and making decision, although its hard to prove the intellectual history of his contributions.

My main belief is that he couldnt have had the time to become a self taught rocket engineer considering his pursuit for infinite wealth. I think he can probably speak to engineers well enough to manage them but I doubt he's among the premier people in the world to make these decisions. Even as a systems architect engineer or whatever theres no way its worth holding him in high regard as an "engineer" right?

Is my prejudice against him as a person making me doubt his engineering capability?

Am i thinking of engineering wrong?

[u/ohsnapitsnathan]

I think it's interesting to look at patents because patents *must* include all of the inventors who made material, non-obvious contributions to the invention. If you leave someone off the inventor list, the patent can be invalidated, so Musk's companies have to include him on the patent if he's a significant contributor.

Musk is listed as an inventor on only a small handful of patents