I don't buy into the identity concept as PG pitches it. My identity is that I've got a beard and flat feet -- I could care less about those issues. My identity is that I own a Jeep and love philosophy -- feel free to rag on both of those all you want.
It's just an oversimplification and not useful in the real world.
People get defensive when you call into question their competence or judgment. Some people feel that any criticism calls into question their value. Some people (like myself) are used to it. Identity != Value. I'm lots of things. I make lots of decisions. Unless you can assault the critical part of my judgment system that makes choices you're free to say about anything.
As for college, simply separate out what you want and go do it. I think college is great for forming connections, for finding a cofounder. So if I didn't have one (or a few good candidates) I'd go in a heartbeat.
If I wanted a good liberal arts foundation, which I think is crucial to living a good life, I'd go get that. Colleges do not own the monopoly on liberal arts educations, though.
So take ownership and go do what makes sense. There is no "right" or "wrong" answer here.
I think it's a good discussion to illuminate what people's goals are. People need to think about their own personal goals instead of having other people on the internet tell them what to do. You do that best by thinking about it: hearing people argue/discuss. But if it devolves into a right vs wrong thing it _is_ a waste of time.