It think your post reinforces a good point. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and chronic fatigue are not always the same thing. So if you are not recognizing symptoms (and there is a more straightforward list that doesn't break it into stages) in a CFS diagnostic list, then perhaps the source of your fatigue is something else.

In my experience, both personal (myself), with people I have known, and through reading accounts, I have come to believe that the disease progression of CFS is usually in three phases.

"Phase 1: First symptoms show up. Usually brought on by a trifecta of (1) an infectious (strep throat, mastitis) or physically traumatic event (car accident etc), (2) a time of intense stress (divorce, moving etc), and (3) either a family history of disease or a history of poor eating habits. Severity of symptoms can range, though many people note unusual to extreme tiredness and a lowered stamina to life's normal tasks. When recovery  occurs it is most likely to occur in this stage. Some people stay in this stage. When this happens their symptoms, though troubling, are usually light in comparison to the spectrum of those with the illness. Those who progress usually show more severe symptoms in the first state. There are exceptions to this rule.

Phase 2: Pain, frequency of infections and secondary conditions increase. Brain fog sets in and neurological issues may begin to appear. Movement becomes more limited. Stamina lowers. Patient may become easily out of breath and struggle more with daily tasks. Personal functioning usually becomes impaired to some degree, if it is not already, and disability may occur at this stage. Appetite changes and sleep patterns may drastically change. Heat or cold intolerance may become a defining factor in selecting environments or impairing functioning and comfort. Walking may become difficult. Patient may notice difficulties in muscular control as well as a feeling of severe weakness. Muscle spams may onset or increase. Towards the middle to end of this stage, patient may benefit from a wheelchair, walker or walking aids. A significant amount of time may be spent in bed or in a reclined position. Patient recovery becomes less likely. When recovery is reported it resembles remission rather than curing of the symptoms. Relapse is possible if the patient is not constantly aware of the underlying syndrome, and pacing themselves accordingly.

Phase 3: Neurological and cardiovascular (especially hypotension) issues have progressed with possibility of sever memory impairment. Patient may site upright less than a few hours a day, if they can sit up at all. Most cannot attend to personal needs, cannot work at all, and may experience light or sound sensitivity. A feeding tube or catheter may be necessary if the person is too weak to swallow or sit upright. Speech may come out in a whisper due to weakness in controlling the diaphragm.  Recovery from this stage is rarely reported. Improvement from phase 3 to phase 2 is a possibility with aggressive, appropriate and educated management and support."

In my opinion, may doctors only see their patients in stage one. After being treated poorly patients give up or go on to specialists, causing doctors to believe their patients have improved (because they are no longer seeking treatment from them, or speaking about their condition) and to erroneously be unaware of stage two and three.