Swingman wrote:
....
Both of you guys are, wrongly IMO, applying your 20th century American
values to a situation that existed in another country, at another time.

Instead of "sanctimonious" or "condescending", I'll use the word
"provincial" to describe this type of thinking .. folks from elsewhere in
this, an International forum, may not be so charitable in their thoughts.

Say what!!?? I ken not of which you speaketh...

What in the world is wrong w/ having at least an acquaintanceship w/ any
particular arena of learning whether it is/is not going to be a long
term career?

Methinks somehow you've misunderstood the complaint....