Disclaimer: I work for Google and have had coworkers without degrees.
Of course, there are people who got in without having to go through the front door like that.
I have a degree in an unrelated field and it's nice to know there isn't a true cap to self-taught development.
Still, going back to school for CS is on my "someday" list.
(I say this without ever passing one)
One is not always required.
Given the current cost and state of education, it is rational to expect people to persue alternatives.
Having conversations here, elsewhere, is not worth the same level of investment as other writing can be.
In casual conversation, content, the ideas, intent are primary. Those have very high value. Minor gaffes, grammar and other bits?
Near zero.
Not everyone can roll that way.
Oh well. I won't tell anyone what to do, but will suggest the idea of taking conversational writing differently than formal writing will yield dividends.
Has for me.
In this case, a greater cost is now present in the form of a meta discussion that does not add any real value otherwise.
Inefficient, and can be offputting.
I advise you to take care, and take it easy where you can. Bet your ass I am.
;D