WOW!
An interesting exchange of ideas and viewpoints.
I have mixed feelings on this subject. While I most definitely feel that you are not an engineer without a degree and society, as a whole recognizes this as well.
I also have to say that in my experience, some of the best engineers/designers I have ever known do not have degrees. While these folks are not working as professional engineers they do have the "know how" and the ability to apply it to do whatever is required to improve a process or make something better. (and safely too I might add)
I guess my true feelings are this:
The best engineers are people that can combine common sense and education and apply both to their work. Education without common sense is like a load of books on the back of a mule.
Oh, and don't forget, Dean never actually graduated from his college (WPI) with an engineering degree. Yes, I know that he has received honorary degrees but technically
those don't count.
I'm not looking to bash anyone or anything here, just want to offer another point of view. Sometimes an open mind is the most important thing you can have.