Yep, they have!
Nowadays, it's not enough to have the talent. Somewhere, someone decreed that all IT pros should have degrees in something not always appropiate to their jobs. So, in the cuthroat world of ever-diminishing IT opportunities, talent and seniority don't count. Your sons could be out the door tomorrow if their companies decide to hire cheaper fresh-out-of-college labor. Without some sort of official protection, there is not much they could do about it...