Interesting blog and approach - I would like to hear more about the role of a marketing automation strategy leader. While some of the points you mention align closely with their actual usage / config of the tool - I don't feel that having to know the ins and outs of program builder will make someone successful at this type of job. I have the Eloqua U credentials - which as you said - is great on the surface, but there's more to it than that.
I guess the question I am trying to ask is - does this type of role exist? Or do most companies that are looking for someone with Eloqua experience - expect them to be the one churning out the emails & programs for the organization. For me, that puts a limit on the value of whatever other certification the Education folks can dream up.