I like that interpretation, but I don't think that's why people like him are passed over; you're attributing far too much self awareness to the hiring manager types. My own observation is that, among people who can't program, programming is viewed as sort of a semi-skilled bricklayer type task and a CS degree is an expensive vocational training program that covers when to use different sorts of bricks and what color bricks go best with what other color bricks. What they're looking for is not educational experience or ability to grow, but a demonstrated willingness to lay lots of bricks down, really fast.