> without being an engineer yourself?

When did I say I'm not a software engineer? I have a software engineering background (I've written reasonably successful books on software), I've just done a lot of other stuff as well that people tend to find more valuable.

> What constitutes successful for you?

The problem I need to solve is solved? I'm not sure what other measure you could have. Honestly, people really misunderstand how to use agents. If you're aim is to "build software" you're going to get in trouble, if your aim is to "solve problems" then you're more aligned with where these tools work most effectively.