To many experts, to much bluster, to much ignorance, a dangerous
combination - So we need someone to sign the bloody thing off with
some authority.

Yes, and much of the bluster & ignorance comes from "consultants". As a former
"consultant" and a chemist who worked on biological control (in the water
treatment industry) for many years, I've found that the average boat builder &
restorer probably has a better handle on this problem than you do. "Them that
can, do & them that can't, ....consult." ).
Greg Sefton