Author here, points well taken, and your illustration is pretty close to my intent. I'd say regarding a specific tool, a great engineer could probably solve the problem at hand effectively without having to rely on any one specific tool. If you work for a company that has standardized technology roadmaps where certain tools are forbidden (think regulated industries, some gov't), a great engineer will know of or find another tool to use within those guidelines.

Regarding a specific condition, I could see where there are times when one may need to solve another problem.