I don't mean to imply I'm an wizard. I'm far from that. I've learned on a need to know basis and focused on building web apps and platforms to run them on. I do have a clue about what I don't know though, and that too is important.
But, as you've pointed out, most everything needed to learn how to do this stuff right is freely available and easily accessible and constantly evolving so at best you're learning with a snapshot of somewhat outdated material in a classroom. That's not a bad way to learn, but it's not how I've learned. I dove in headfirst and started making stuff, learning as I went.
Still, as to the original comment, I admire the hard work it takes to get a degree when one really applies themselves. It's no small accomplishment and I'm sure I'd learn a lot if I went through the process, and that I'd enjoy it too. I would love to be able to do that.
All I am trying to say is that we have to differentiate between CS professionals and self thought programmers. There is a difference and I am stunned that people don't see the benefit of a university education.