I think it comes down to proof. If you have either some publicly accessible proof of competence, or a trusted 3rd-party who will vouch for your competence, there are many scenarios where people (including myself) were paid for their time on the initial interview.
The rub is that a degree (rightly) does not carry the same weight of proof.
The rub is that a degree (rightly) does not carry the same weight of proof.