I would agree with the strategy of getting a degree. Whatever qualification you have studied for is never in vain... it can always be used. I have studied up to a Master's level and do not regret that. The studying has helped mature me in a way airline companies look positively to; the experience brought about during these years of studying and working also worked to my advantage. Moreover, working in a field related to your degree shows you what the other side of the coin is like and helps you make a better informed decision about going for the job of a pilot or not.
Through my degrees I worked in a variety of jobs related to my studies. But I was never satisfied with the job and kept changing to something different. I had studied my PPL and had an idea about the world of aviation. This brought me to realise that I would not be satisfied in any other job save that of being a pilot. I'll admit I was lucky though. I was in the right place at the right time and made the right connections. I landed myself (after a lot of hard work) in a sponsorship position.
AO