Its just this trite phrase about a degree being a useful backup irritates me a bit because I think its a very un-useful backup.
I agree, it's not a backup because it doesn't generally qualify you to do something. A degree is either good because you just want to do it, or a useful part of your overall career plan. If it doesn't meet either of those criteria, don't waste your time.
Personally I have two degrees and have used them constantly throughout my career. But, I'm not an airline pilot, I'm an aviation boffin who flies.
G