But you are in a circular argument--your definition of a "qualified aviator" does not require a degree. Alaska's definition of a "qualified aviator" does (along with other things that may have little to no bearing on one's ability to operate stick and rudder and throttles, like not using nicotine).

However, they are in charge, not you, so they determine what they want for new hire pilots. Don't like it, then start your own airline that doesn't require a degree ... I think we will continue to have plenty of "qualified aviators" that do have degrees for awhile yet.

And if it smacks of elitism, why do most, if not all, major airlines have that as a requirement? Maybe those who carry hundreds of people on an airliner are elite, in some sense?