> understanding large areas of business operation that you don't already know

Library card, google search, LLM, Annas archive, not even joking. I've seen the curriculum, its the kind of stuff you read a book about on a weekend.

> not particularly useful for networking, since the people you meet are at your own level.

I think you may have missed the point of the MBA.

A library card etc. are useful, but a very long way from the usefulness of a planned and taught course. And no, I haven't missed the point - you most certainly have. There are useful methods of networking, and they are based on breadth (how many people you meet), depth (how specific your discussions can be) and length of engagement. People from completely different industries whom you meet over coffee in a group exercise are not that, and would not justify the cost of the course. What does justify it is what you learn.

I just find it odd that Mark Zuckerberg runs a multi-billion Dollar business without an MBA.

He just kind of taught himself that in his spare time.

I guess some people get alot of value out of the 'knowledge' you gain from an MBA..

I view it as a signal to other MBAs as to the type of manager you are.