If a position stated that a degree is a "nice to have, or advantage" I would certainly still send my CV and hope that it was glowing enough to counter my lack of degree, which I would hope it is through sheer commercial experience gained while everyone else was in education.

But my gripe is that most employers don't even give us that chance.

In a way, that has played its part in my working life that has sent me on a path to be independent and start my own company, so I guess its not all bad :)