The proper answer to the question depends on various factors. As a result, I’m not sure that a comparison of answers really means anything.
For example, there are things that I know my father knows and are in his area of expertise. However, I also know that there are areas that he knows nothing about. Your father, however, may be somewhat knowledgeable in that area. There are certain question I wouldn’t be comfortable bringing to a friend, even if I know he’s an expert in that area. You may not feel that way. And on and on…
Whom I, personally, turn to for advise largely depends on the nature of the problem. For some problems, I turn to Eeees. For others, I turn to my parents. For yet others, I turn to rabbeim and yet others to friends and neighbors. The matrix of whom I turn to for what type of problem depends on numerous variables, include expertise in a particular area, general wisdom, trust and the degree of discretion involved in the query.
But keep in mind that that particular matrix applies to myself and ONLY myself. Your matrix of problems/advice givers may be very different. You may trust your rebbi more than your brother. Someone else may have the reverse. Neither is right or wrong… it’s all a matter of your perceptions, relationships and the experiences of yourself and the people in your life.
The Wolf