You are actually arguing over tools. You can use JAVA-oracle or .NET-SQL server or whatever tools suits you but you miss the point. Datawarehousing itself isn't rocket science or brain surgery .... (unless you are still using assembly language for programming in which case you shouldn't even be in IT business anymore). In fact datawarehousing is actually FAR LESS complicated then say designing a microprocesor or a digital signal processor or for that matter any other engineering fields like automobile,construction,Machining Instrumentation or manufacturing.
“Secondly, intermediate skills in any technology is ok for basic programming, but you need a couple of years to understand what you can do “
I guess we have different definitions of what constitutes intermediate level skill. With only 2 years experience you are still at entry level, not intermediate.
“Finally, more important than coding which any code monkey can do is software engineering — thinking logically.”
Logical thinking isn't necessarily a niche of American grads or software engineers. Even janitors can think logically. You don't need a 4 year college degree in software programming to be able to think.
I’m not arguing over tools. Logic and experience make for a better tol than “get the job done” attitude.