I worked on public works projects for 40 years. Some of the inspectors really knew the business, could cite a lot of stuff right on the spot and make a decision right then and there. Others, not so much. They had to go “research” anything you asked them. The slightest alterations from the plans required meetings and time to think about it. It was easy to tell if they knew the construction business or if they just walked out of a classroom and had never had dirt on their hands.
I never answered questions with the exception of the highway work. The questions on buildings were referred to the architect who was the AHJ, There were a few occasions when the architect and I had issues. One finally involved test jacking anchor bolts for columns out of concrete. I knew the installation was bogus. The architect and his civil engineer were surprised when it took less than 100 lbs.