Interesting.
I do agree with the premise that college/educational attainment in general terms may be viewed as an intentional barrier/sorting mechanism. I'm not sure what the actual correlation is, but I do think that most employers want to hire those who are:
a) able to see themselves through lengthy goals which have moderate to high personal costs;
b) from a background which is 'functional' in societal terms
c) mature adults w/r/t executive skills
It's point b that is the sticking point here, IMO, just as it was with military commissions. It's possible to buy your way in without having really much in the way of a or c above, and even with minimal amounts of c, when it comes to that. Assuming that your family has more wealth than sense, in fact, such an outcome becomes positively LIKELY if you're a screw-up in their eyes, because it's something to DO with you that gets you out of their hair.
It also provides some insurance that the "wrong kind of people" will never encroach upon the 'civilized' world with any regularity. They lack means, even if they possess determination and ability in abundance. Of course, as long as the power-holding agencies in the scheme reassure themselves that anyone who lacks means is automatically less able and less worthy, this isn't much of a problem.
Where this becomes a VERY large problem for gifted people is that much of the process toward the proper educational attainment is stultifying and a complete waste of time. But you have to get your ticket punched to get through the gatekeeping mechanism. What to do... what to do...
