I don't have a dog in this fight and to a certain extent I agree with you but I think you are being a bit disingenuous. You are comparing someone who didn't bother to finish college to someone who was accepted to MIT and was in college at Purdue when the war broke out. Armstrong left college to serve in the war and then finished up when he returned and eventually earned a masters degree in aeronautical engineering. No comparison. I would argue that his success was due in a large part to his education as his most notable achievements occurred after he earned his degree. The fact is that it's the airlines sandbox and they set the rules so you can argue your point till your blue in the face, won't change a thing.
Bingo-Armstrong had the smarts and motivation to start college before he flew off carriers. Those who don't typically struggle as pilots.