If I am not mistaken, this whole thread has only covered the sub side of MM-ELT and ET.
In my carrier experience, the ETs and ELTs only compete in one area...the time they spend in the rack.
A RO qual'd ET had a fat watch rotation, while there were always plenty of ELTs (you only needed one per plant, per watch anyway).
ELTs had their own berthing, ETs didn't. They had to live with the EMs in the cavernous 150 man berthing on the 2nd deck. The ELTs have their own division, their own division office, own ELT Chief and DIVO.
ELTs had to qualify SIR on mechanical watchstations, but only stood them for proficiency.ETs qual'ed and stood RO/SRO, IW, RT, and 4th deck watch.
Either way, you really couldn't go wrong on a carrier. IF you like to play Mr Wizard, try for ELT. If you like to push buttons and stuff, be an ET. But remember, you can choose ET(sorta), but you cannot choose ELT. Before you hang your hopes on being an ELT, you better resign yourself to being a plain old mechanic, just in case you don't get picked up.
I feel so sorry for you sub/former subbers.