Of course erau is going to try to make a case for lowering the bar, their business model practically depends on it. They actually try to trick people into thinking that if they go to erau they will be better pilots, nothing could be further from the truth.
I've flown with guys that came from all walks of life including erau, and you could not tell the difference period. This isn't open to interpretations, or opinions. Going to erau or any other aviation college does not make a better pilot, classroom time does not substitute aircraft time, and they know it. It has been proven statistically, that no amount of theory in a classroom can measure up to real life experience.
It's 1500 hrs guys. Get use to it! You're going to have to work for it, the "glory" days of paying erau 100K for a job are gone....welcome to the party guys, grab a hat and slice of humble pie and get in line with the rest of the folks.