I completely agree with you. I know younger folks who have rushed out to get the PMP with the thought that they would be at the top of the money/certification heap with those three letters. That is not the case. They are sitting in line behind the PMPs who are currently out of work trying to get on a project. The CCIE truly tests experience and know-how....the PMP can be passed with good bookish knowledge alone, not to say that alone isn't a feat...but those who wish to certify as a PMP (especially in this economy) with a glut of PMPs are in for an unpleasant suprise. The CCIE may not be statistically #1, but it has since it inception been the gold standard for networking, in business and acedemics.