It’s interesting how intense and emotional the criticism of this kind of reasoning tends to be, and your comment is a prime example. It makes me think there is self-interest or some strong ideological basis at its root.

I realize it’s fairly pointless to ask, but why does this feel so threatening to you? Is it “smart person doesn’t need me – can make shitload of money without conforming to my social norms / letting me freeload”? ;)