What determines a n00b in Pokemon?

First topic message reminder :

So I was thinking about this question the other day: What determines if someone is a n00b in Pokemon and competitive battling?

The term n00b is tossed around the gaming world to mean someone with out skill, although it is derived from the word newbie, meaning a new player. Now in Pokemon would the determination of someone's skill be based on simply the Pokemon they choose to use, or how they use them? I know that someone can use Pokemon from higher tiers and completely fail in the utilization of those Pokemon so the answer in this case would probably be "the utilization".

But let me give another example: My friend has always favored Ice and Water type Pokemon (and a Pinsir). People may look at his team and say "that team is totally dumb, etc., etc." But my question is, "If he knows how to utilize his team to the best of their abilities (IV's and EV's, abilities, moves, etc.) and has planned out strategies around them, then is he still a n00b for his Pokemon selection?" Please discuss. I would like to hear from what others have to say.

I was a noob for years only using offensive moves...