hi warpspeed.
I think you will already find that the majority of qualified/professional engineers on this forum do not 'do' the homework for students, we do however give hints/tips on how to solve the problem.
I am puzzled why you find its in order for a supposed professional engineer to ask for 'tips' on that other forurm in order to his job and a student should not be allowed ask for guidance on his homework.
That is a fair question.
I guess the difference is that student courses are designed to teach, but often the temptation for students is to try to get the quick answer the easy way, without gaining the deeper understanding of how or why that goes with it. Mentoring by a lecturer can provide that. Swapping answers in the locker room, or over the internet can be somewhat lacking.
I have assisted post graduate students with certain aspects of projects, with the full knowledge and approval of the Professor. I have also been approached by students on the sly to complete assignments for money. While one is ethical, the other most certainly is not.
The Eng Tips forum is the type of place where a professional electronics engineer (or any other type of scientist or engineer) may seek guidance, or the answer to a particular question that only someone from another discipline can probably answer. I have often asked questions that concerned projects I have been involved in that had little or nothing to do directly with electronics.
It may be something obscure like legal issues, or government regulations.
Likewise people from other disciplines can gain advice from the electronics guys.
It is kind of a think tank for professionals.
To really get the feel of the place I suggest you visit there and see for yourself.
Eng-Tips Forums
And here are some rigidly enforced rules for posts at Eng-Tips.
Note particularly what they say about student posts, and homework.
Eng-Tips - Posting Policies