It's a lot of both. The best mechanic can only do so much with crappy tools, just as someone without much experience won't know what they're doing just because they have every tool imaginable in front of them.

A lot of lbs "mechanics" are like that ****ty bar band we've all seen that can barely get through a few cover songs - but they all have pro gear like they're ****ing Aerosmith. Or the overweight choadie with the full-carbon race bike and shaved legs who can't keep up an 18 mph pace on a 10 mile ride.

My dad - who was a lifelong gearhead and car mechainic - taught me early on that you're never going to learn anything without getting some dirt under your fingernails.