I'd have to agree with you, but this is the view in hindsight. These kids have gotten to the point of college and they don't see it the same way. Can't say as I blame them, I couldn't wait to get out of my folks house. I also agree that it's just not the same education, and you're correct that gainful employment or even some kind of internship is not likely a realistic approach in the current situation.
So, you can't get a job, you can't get an internship, and even if you have money and wanted to "hike across Europe" there are a number of obstacles in the way, and a lot of stuff closed. Add in, that they may not let you re-enroll. Who would have thought we would be having half full cafes and airplanes and closed bars, so who knows what re-enrollment might look like.
Yes, paying full boat at UT for a mostly or full online experience is not the same. But putting your life on hold doesn't work for most of the kids either. Maybe you'll get some refund down the road, but either way I don't think it's quite the same view to the kids as it seems from our perspective.