Degrees are a filtering mechanism. In almost all fields/positions they are a weak signal of aptitude, not a strong one. But there are no strong signals of aptitude before the interviewing process at the very least, and most of the time there is no strong signal until the candidate is actually employed and working. So I don't disagree with you, but the person you're replying to is just stating a reality of the job market and the reason people are going to college.