The reason is that I don't think we really have enough data yet to substantiate arguments on either side of the issue. That's why this effort is important. The initial goal is to get the data so we can make a decision. Once a certification program is developed, its purpose would be to provide an objective means of skill assessment. It would be a guide for new system administrators to develop their skills and a means for hiring managers to wade through resumes.
Employers eat it up.
Those looking to get into the high-salary world of system administration would have a road map to do it. Anyone with good problem-solving skills can learn to be a system administrator. We need more system administrators. In addition to, but not instead. Getting a degree in computer science, even if there were a minor in system administration, isn't going to necessarily teach you everything you need to know about doing it on the job.