There definitely is a skill to level making, just like there's skill in graphics design and scripting.
All I see is you complaining about the inexperienced who try to sell themselves as "good" level makers and others who rely heavily on scripted effects to enhance their levels.
FYI: "Good LATing" is not all about using NPCs in fact that's quite the opposite.
Good level makers (Crono and WanDaMan come to mind) are proficient at making most of the limited tileset their given which separates them from the "bad" level makers you are complaining about.
Also, the **** have you actually accomplished to declare such bull****?