It seems getting access to this world requires either superlative ability, a network of people who can teach you the lingo, or university pedigree.
Probably a matter of time until programming is another power-law career like music or law is, where only the top hundred or thousand in the world can get by.
> where only the top hundred or thousand in the world can get by.
I don't think that's correct - music or law employs a ton of working professionals at all levels. If working at one of the big companies is the measure of "getting by" that means if you're a lawyer in a small town you're probably not getting by, which is absolutely not the case.
FWIW, I don’t think FAANG necessarily care about what degree you have vs. what can you do. Mine certainly doesn’t, and I know a number of people at these companies who are college dropouts.
Probably a matter of time until programming is another power-law career like music or law is, where only the top hundred or thousand in the world can get by.