I don't think I've ever been at an engineering company that didn't have whiteboards, at the very least in conference rooms--I infer from that that some portion

I don't think I've ever been at an engineering company that didn't have whiteboards, at the very least in conference rooms--I infer from that that some portion of employees find them valuable. Clearly someone who is good at solving problems is preferred. However, between someone who is good at solving problems, and someone who is good and can explain/demonstrate their process is more desirable.