Actually the OU is better than most Brick universities. I have studied at both and easily consider the OU better. At a Brick Uni' one attends lectures that basically tell you very little. You then have to go off and get on with the work. At the OU you have all the materials, lectures are available online and your tutor is just a phone call away. You just have to have the determination to get on with it. Many of those who do degrees with the OU already have a degree. Yes, anyone can start with the OU, however, those without the academic ability simply drop out. I simply cannot understand the idiots who keep praising the more traditional uni'. What the student with the OU misses out on is the 'beer culture'.
Anyone who can complete a degree with the OU exhibit will-power, determination etc. The degree is no easier. In regard to fairness I simply don't know what you are referring to. Ideas of fairness simply don't come into it.