One of the fun things in electronics is when someone builds a small signal amplifier then wonders why the output is lower than calculated with zero understanding of source / load impedances. Because no one taught them about that.
I found a list of (independent) errata for the 2nd edition [0], presumably because it was used in a class. I see one note about the "Rule 2" for transistors but, to me at least, it looks like the author just forgot a "not" in the sentence.
In general, the errata looks like what would exist for a textbook that was written by a person. It has mistakes, mostly typos but just a quick glance doesn't uncover some fundamental lack of knowledge from the authors part.
I'm no expert in electronics, so I don't have enough confidence to make a statement about the competency of Scherz, but your assessment seems hyperbolic.
The only way to outline this is to do better which I may do if I ever get the time to do so.
The Art of Electronics is an excellent book but misunderstood. It’s a reference book not an introductory text. It should be used in a professional capacity or be read alongside the accompanying student manual.
The book situation in this sector is pretty horrible unfortunately. The old NEETs stuff is verbose but teaches you nothing, the Make books teach you what but not how. Same with the Forest Mims books.
I have been considering writing a book which covers enough electronics for people to competently solve a problem they have without being led up the wrong path or delve too heavily into mathematics (the latter is unfortunately mostly unavoidable but basic algebra should be enough to solve nearly all problems)