J3, before you get your tailwheel in a real twist. I agree that there has been some surprising over reaction, but I think what gets up people's nose is the attitude which clearly comes across in the article that any alternative to a degree (or the military) is a lot less valuable.
I have observed that aviation uni programs have always had to try and prove their value to industry. In other industries the degree is a given starting point but aviation in Australia is not so. The article is basically saying we should take the USA lead (once again) and make an aviation degree a starting pre-requisite to a pilot career. Trying to prove their worth but also denigrating other avenues in the process. Not showing a lot of the tolerance and respect that Sparcap is reminding everyone of. We all know how well us Aussies 'give' respect when it is 'demanded' of us...!