The issue is the same one that the legitimate EC (and their employee) applies everyday when on the job site.
98% of what we do is something we have done 200 or 2000 times before with few variations and based on what the AHJ in our area will pass (or what the GC/specs call for) and usually well within the bounds of the NEC.
The problems happen when we get into something the actual mechanic doing the work doesn't have experience with. (whether a J-man or Master/EC none of us knows it all)
Do we 'fess up' and get the info we need or do we just try to fake it? Look at the violation pics to see what some will do.
The "we's" on these forums generally will know when we are approaching the deep end of our experience; but too many out there won't. This applies to too many EC's as much as it does to the kid trying to make some side job money.
FWIW I'd suggest separating the discussion between the issues of job competence and job legality.
On the other issue:
The property owner is presumed to have the largest stake in making and keeping their investment sound and safe. Caveat Emptor applies to them when they CHOOSE to hire someone who isn't legal/insured/licensed to work on their property or to take on doing something themselves.
If safety was perceived to be the real issue with permits and inspections (vs tax hikes) more of the bad work would be found before the fire dept is called.
