Jerry,
I think you are missing my point. I really don't see why we should call in an engineer just because someone "might" not do the repair correctly, even though they are qualified to do it (licensed contractor).

This repair is carpentry 101 and to call for an engineer just makes my client shell out more $$$. Of course the seller should be the one hiring the engineer, but if we take your scenerio further, "their" engineer might not do the engineering right. Just like the contractor scenerio you painted - one may not do the job correctly.

Just like I don't call for an engineer to design a repair for joists that need a ledger or hanger. Or a mechanical engineer for duct repair. Or a civil engineer to correct downspout/splashblock problems. To me - that's overkill. It's taking CYA to new heights.

If I owned a house that had overnotched joists for a toilet, and the inspector called for an engineer to design a repair, I would tell them to take a flying F at a rolling donut.
JF