There seems to be a school of thought among many (not all) uni graduates in all fields that if you don't have a degree you are not quite up there with the rest of them.
I have managed to self study CPL and IREX and had two separate succesfull careers after leaving school at Y10.
My training was completed at a 'lowly' country aeroclub, where ego's were few and fun & proffesionalism were the priorities.
I dont recall any GA company I have worked with asking anything about my training.
They were however interested how well I would get along with the average passenger and whether I can show good airmanship and fly the aircraft in a smooth and safe manner to commercial considerations.
After you finish training and begin 'learning' in the real world, it is up to the individual how well they perform and has little do with to whom they paid there training fees.
I agree that article was complete propoganda and a waste of taxpayers money