Ed:
Not sure that I totally agree with your last post.
I think understanding can only be achieved through growth and ongoing awareness, Time and open education are a great way ahead but if we are to open we need to be careful.
I am able to teach many methods of finish to student ,it is to be seen if they will be able to do so alone,the type of finish used is subjective and relative to what is trying to be achieved I can apply a finish to timber that cannot be seen but I can assure you it is,it is time that teaches a maker to use the right finish for the right job its application can be taught.
Your desire to become a member of the RPT is to be encouraged and applauded.
I would like to point out that the RPT selection process has undergone a major review earlier and will in future will be carried out in a more stringent manner,for more details I would recommend contacting the register when you feel you are ready to apply.
Your comment regarding desire I do agree with, it cannot be taught but it can be fostered, helped even pushed in a specific direction.
You may find it of interest to look at a thread started over on the Woodworker instate regarding "Image posting and critique".
6 pages 110 comments and 3596 views and the thread is still rolling and is/has been extremely interesting and stimulating.
http://www.woodworkersinstitute.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=14919&PN=1&title=critique-and-image-postingNick Arnull. RPT.