I can’t remember how I came about the article in the link below. But I do remember thinking to myself that I probably wouldn’t have written it any differently if I had to. This article specifically talks about the “real” worth of years of work experience; but it also indirectly answers additional questions.
If by the end of reading this article a reader still thinks that someone with a Masters Degree or Doctorate is, by default, more intelligent or ambitious than someone without one, they may need to work on their logic. Enjoy!