Oh interesting I misunderstood your comment. I thought “exact same career trajectory” meant the only difference was the degree. I’m not the user you replied to but I can see how 1) two people with exact same career trajectory but one has a CS degree results in the degree holder being preferred, and 2) two people, one of which has a CS degree with a less accomplished career and the other of which has been promoted/demonstrated greater accomplishments results in the non-degree holder being preferred.