He did okay. No computer programing accreditation.
Richard Branson started by selling records out of the back of his car. He did okay too. I imagine many record retail stores looked down their noses at him too. Some of them are even out of business now. The digital and computer age of photography has changed the landscape of photography with respect to the learning curve. 100% absolutely true yes. Instant feed back and limitless "film" allows one to learn what different settings do what without having to document with paper and pen what roll was shot where and how. I believe there are 3 progressive levels of photographer. Some move on to the next level, some are content to stay where they are;
The first is humble hobbyist. They purchase a DSLR, and marvel at the technology and freely admit their aspirations lye only in how to improve their nature/landscape/family photos. They like thier occupation and have no interest in photography beyond a hobbyist.
The second is the "wannabe". This person has evolved from the pure hobbyist to the point where they say to themselves "People (friends/family) like the pictures I take, maybe I can make something from this. That would be cool. 'John Doe, Professional Photographer' has a nice ring to it. I wonder if anyone I know is getting married? The guy at the camera store told me about dpreview.com. I'll go on there and ask the pros on their advice for a good wedding lens and flash". As many in this professional forum have expressed their frustration with, they are a "have camera, will shoot for nothing" folk. This group of camera owners look in the mirror and see a ripped body rather than their true flabby selves. This is who we hear from a lot. "How do I; which lens; why am I getting blurry shots with my 18-200?" etc etc.
The third group is the quiet group. They started as hobbyists, progressed to the wannabe with aspirations of doing photography full time. They have an eye, but perhaps didn't always have equipment to bring out their mind's eye true to form. They are self educators who don't have the time or means to learn photography in a formal setting. They are information sponges and get whatever reading material they can get their hands on to learn about photography. They go to dpreview.com among other forums to learn from people who know more than they do. And there are a lot. Read books, forums, shoot, books, forums, shoot. Not only are they listening and learning about technique and lighting, but they listen to the seasoned pros, they know not to charge (nor could they) as much as a veteran, but they also learn why they shouldn't give away their services... for the health of the industry.
It is true that to be hired as a photographer, one does not need a professional designation. Most occupations start this way however.
There were surgeons before medical scools existed, dentists before dental school existed; care givers before 'personal support worker' became a college diploma course; what was a dipoma course for Occupational Therapists 40 years ago is now a Masters program here in Canada. The general contractor business is still alive and well with the likes of Home Depot and all the other DIY home improvement stores out there.
So while I agree in part with the OP comments, you have to take everything with a grain of salt as they say. Most working pros, I would think, don't spend their time on forums. They are out shooting or editing or getting new business. So you can't take what they DON'T say has a degredation in the photographic world. The loudest voices on this forum are the non pros obviously. They are the askers of the seemingly naive business/equipment/technique questions. Only because they want to learn.
The digital age is very new. Everyone is sprinting towards a finish line they can't see. Many, many of them will drop off because they can't keep up. Look at the auto industry in the U.S. "The big 3". 100 hundred years ago there were 50 companies making 'horseless carriages'. Along the way they either died out completely or were bought out.
In the information age, one cannot count out the informally educated photographer. They are smarter and more talented than you think! Thanks for "listening" to my ramble.
p.s. J.K. Rowling does not have a journalism degree nor did she have paying writing gigs before her first Harry Potter book. She's done pretty well for herself, i think. ;-)
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Ancient Canadian proverb: 'Don't eat yellow snow.'
D300 and the 10-200 f/2 with fisheye switch. ;-) 
, I think there's an overall fear of doing or saying anything that might offend someone. I think it's more a symptom of our overly Politically Correct society, than any other agenda of your guild's leadership.
