Dude, chill, you can just be an expert on a subject without giving a damn about what other people think. It’s an option. Give it a try
It does really suck to be an expert but then be ignored or shunned by the people you consider your peers.
> ... Meaning, it is entirely possible to get expert levels on a topic without getting the PhD certificate.
If I'm not mistaken, for the part that you quoted, the OP is pointing out that there are many people who assess whether or not you are an expert they are looking for base on just a piece of paper, regardless of whether or not your skills in that area is that expected of an expert.
When you are looking for a job, whether you give a damn or not doesn't matter, it's whether or not the interviewer gives a damn that matters—and I feel that most of them don't.