Cut the BS please. Safety critical software gets audited and other measures are taken to insure it stays safe to a degree. However if one wants to write software for let's say music synthesizer the only thing that matter is the person ability. In this case I would look for experience, list of completed projects and other relevant info. I would not give a rat's ass about their diploma. Some of the best / successful software was often created by domain experts who learned how to program.

I call BS on that but each one of course is entitled to their own opinion. Go get your license if you don't have one already.

>"..instead I said a fee, which could be sponsored. No degree required, though one certainly would help I imagine."

We have enough mafia type bloodsuckers. My take on those money collectors: go fuck yourselves.

>"We live in a society, and we should think beyond the individual in terms of benefits. This would be a big win for society."

And who would be thinking? Our masters looking to squeeze yet more money from people? Enough of that "won't anyone think of children" vomit.