Noel,
WELCOME TO THE AWS WELDING FORUM!!
Great first post and description from your point of view. Thanks for the input.
I agree with a good many of your points. There are many things that work well together in the area of certifications and others are an obvious misfit byproduct of the drive for more money to exchange hands.
It's hard to BEAT the AWS/CWI certification in any field. Having said that, there is always room for more training, education, knowledge, and skills after achieving that level. But, some people are really proud of their standards and exams. Evidenced by the price to take their tests.
He Is In Control, Have a Great Day, Brent