Yes, the incompetance of US officials is also a good observation when it comes to where the US Empire is in its life cycle. Corruption breed incompetence (which breed more corruption) when it comes to officials, and is symptomatic of a degenerating state.

Even if the US government didn't use any less diablolical methods during the 60s and 70s, they still did pride themselves in having the most competent people in important positions. It seems to me like this has degenerated over time, and increasingly become more about how much you're able to pay for a position. You certainly don't need to think Kissinger is a nice person, but it's hard to argue that he was an incompetent diplomat.