I would argue that it's more skill, but not engineering skill. It is more a social skill; being able to read the work environment the software will exist insi

I would argue that it's more skill, but not engineering skill. It is more a social skill; being able to read the work environment the software will exist inside, and predict the likely ebb and flow of development requirements. To have enough experience with the people involved to know how much flex a given system will have to undergo, over time.