I don't think that's a refutation of the parent's point; if anything, I think it supports it. It sounds like you had some very specific needs that I don't think apply to the average person.
I got a degree with no relevancy to my job at all but the approach to learning I picked up in college really served me well when I wanted to do it. I don't think there are many people who would not benefit from being able to educate themselves in a new topic.
