This is an interesting debate because it reinforces the position that letters after a name do not necessarily imply depth of knowledge.
I have spent many years as an amateur and because I have a genuine interest I believe I have learned enough to give educated and objective opinion about the kinds of site I know and recognise the things I don't.
I have struggled to get any assistance or information or even the opportunity to put forward theories to some academics who regard amateurs as a sub-species.
I have recently looked into obtaining a degree in archaeology from UCC and may well do so in the next available window but it pains me to think that I need to do this to be taken seriously by some and that dumbing down may reduce the value of any work I put into a subject I take seriously.
Without the work of enthusiastic amateurs most academic positions would never have evolved and the badge of recognition that is a degree should be administered by people who are not subject to economic or political pressures.
Well done Prof, at least early retirement will give plenty of time for research!
Something is not right. This message is just to keep things from messing up down the road