Picky and hard nosed sometimes don't necessarily know much...they just have a reputation.....
For engines an engine guy is often better...usually way better if he too is good. But will almost double your survey cost if twins and a generator.
For hull....if the guy thow's around the term "blisters" without discussing hydrolyzed resin and delamination and other osmotic issues.....he would be suspect to me.
Not every surveyor is good with a moisture meter or a hammer....it would be nice to find a surveyor that actually found many large problems with boats...that is the reputation I would like to see. Not one that fills pages with the obvious and painful to deal with the insurance company.