Ross, for what it's worth. I have been here (on this Forum) almost from the get go April/2000 and back then as jwrite650 this was an education site for me to learn how to advance myself in this field.
I have a note book of material I have printed from this forum and there is some great stuff that I feel should be posted at regular intervals for all to read like the following excerpt I printed out and keep above my desk at all times.
I don't know who protects the inspector other than the inspector. The best ways to do that:
1) Get the scope of inspection activities defined at the start of the job.
2) Have access to the referenced codes and specifications.
3) Have the attitude that you are trying to prove the work is done correctly, even when you find it is not.
4) When you find a problem, get the foreman (or whoever) to look at it with you see if they see the same thing. "Maybe I'm not looking at this right, what do you make of it?"
5) Never quote the code without a copy of it in your hands.
6)Take digital photos of the problem for a visual record. (BE SURE that you have permission to take photos first.)
7) When you can legally and ethically give someone a break, do so.
8) When you have to report what was wrong, be sure to include what was right. But just the facts, no opinions unless asked.
9) Get everything in writing and give everything in writing.
10) Admit your mistakes without any "Yeah,buts".
11) Don't fight battles. Send them up to the next level, and accept the findings.
12) Keep records of everything you do or say.
13) Recognize that there are some things you have no power over and many times that you don't have the full picture.
14) Don't let one bad experience spoil everything. There are better days ahead.
15) Maintain your integrity.
16) Remember that we never stop learning.
Others may have things to add, and I hope they do so, but you are your own best advocate. It would be nice if there is a group or agency to look out for inspectors but I have not heard of any. We all pretty much stand on our own merits, and your sense of justice indicates that you will build up a fine reputation.
Chet Guilford
No single source can compare to what I have learned here and I try to express that from time to time. As far as the Diamonds and ratings are concerned I never really paid any attention to them, I don't even recall when they started.
I only took notice when it became a contest for some which I got to admit turned me away for a bit. At first I was kinda in a quandary as to what it was all about but I finally conceded to my self I was an old stick in the mud and ignored it.
In short I don't pay much attention to them because I am fully capable of rating for my self, in fact I prefer to do so.
Topic Chit-Chat & Non-Welding Discussion / Off-Topic Bar and Grill / Diamonds and ratings (from the Admin)
John, please let me say it again just for you, since you are having a tough time with this, when it isn't that hard to understand. 
