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Good Geometry Tools are needed badly.
I do also think that level designers do need to know how to model stuff.
Mainly for their own sake for getting jobs at other companies that do use other toolsets. Mainly so that they are not a burden on other people in the company/Group.
But my 2 cents.
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Not sure I agree with level designers not being “artists”, it’s like saying a tech artist shouldn’t use shaders… There are generally tiers of skill, some who can and do multiple tasks.
Not to say I disagree with the concept of in-game design, it’s tried true method and nothing new. Even in current AAA engines it’s still nothing new, some game frameworks have been built upon Maya. The question is with todays art pipeline being so intricate, where does it end?
Well I think Pro-Builder sets the correct methodology, so does source engine. It’s not there for character designs, or detail meshes… It’s for getting a base level together quickly, checking lighting, making sure texturing fits with GI. Base (architectural) levels are rarely extremely complex, they generally only require tools like Extrude, Edge loop, Bevel, Weld, Transform manipulation, Bridge, Deform and UV tools.