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Perhaps professionally, being an "expert beginner" is bad, but in other pursuits being content with competency can make them more enjoyable.

To build on the bowling example, it is ok to be an average bowler if you are having fun with it. Anyone that's bowled casually with someone that is over competitive knows how obnoxious it is. Accepting that improvement is not always necessary to enjoyment is important.

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I think what you're more talking about is just sitting at what he considers "advanced beginner" or "competent" phases, rather than calling yourself an expert at something. And that's fine if it's what you're going for - you definitely don't need to try to squeeze every last ounce of knowledge and skill into every department in your life - just don't assume you know everything!

Yeah, I'm with you. For example I'll never be a great skiier, and I'm content with that, but at the same time in fact I derive a fair amount of enjoyment out of the simple process of trying to get better.

Not sure I get the analogy. If you're an expert beginner bowler, everyone can see how good, or bad, you are.

All the expert beginner developers I've met act as if they are not beginners. You only find out piecemeal, and that can end up in frustration and wasted time.

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