Right. You're also right in saying it's a relative term.

I've been flying for about 9 years now, and can put the plane (pretty much any plane) where I want it and when. I can do most aerobatics without too much difficulty, with most planes. (As long as the plane can do them. )

I'm also asked quite often to do maidens and trim flights on other people's planes, frequently take beginners up on the Buddy Box, and usually have guys just asking me if I want to fly their plane. Because they just want to watch it fly for a change.

I consider myself an intermediate pilot.

Pilots that fly national and international competitive pattern, and guys that have flown at TOC or Top Gun, I consider THEM to be experts (or the guys that could give them true competition).
Dennis-