the problem is "experienced hiker" can mean anything, depends on the point of reference. Someone who "hikes" in a city park or nicely groomed trails, then travels to Yellowstone, or Tetons, or anything and sees trails marked for "experienced" hikers and it means something else.
I would say many who claim to be experienced hikers are experienced at following a dirt groove or where the vegetation has been worn through.
Some may have volunteered for trail improvement days.
Experienced hiker does not equal outdoorsman.
Scouting teaches too much self reliance for the thinking of those who would see it killed.