I think you hit on the reason why stats are so prevalent in astronomy. Since we dont have time to wait around for stars to evolve before publishing a paper a sample of a number stars has to be taken and conclusions dervied from the sample.

About the degree thing, after i got my astrophysics degree i got two reactions when people heard.
1. astro ...ast.. hmm sounds complicated..
2.astrophysics eh? well im a gemini so does that mean im going to have a good day today?