I would have to say that these large Cable Companies are probably getting scared of possibility of IP based Television Companies cropping up and taking their client base. Their core product has to change from Cable Television service to IP Connectivity.

A ten minute verbal component, is just a very small factor for this exam. I'm not sure why it is even getting any press. I personally would have liked to seen it structured differently. Instead of the verbal component being one of the first things (as I understand it), I think it should be the last thing. It could be used to gauge the response of some predetermined questions. It could also be used to get a feel for why the candidate done activity x the way they did. It could even be used as the deciding factor for points on a particular topic if it is achieved in an unorthodox way. If you can pass the CCIE lab, the interview isn't going to be an obstacle. I am a CCIE Security Candidate and the Lab is the real obstacle. I'm not too concerned if they do implement an interview (formerly or informally for that matter).

I too think that a CS Major can definitely use what he or she has learned and apply it to a IT position. It seems as though not enough people that we come into contact with have this angle of understanding. I'm sure a CS major with a passion in any tech field can apply the synergies between what they know and what they love. Personally (and I know I'll get flamed for this), I would get some certification in the field that I most felt I'd like. I definitely would not get into a job that I didn't like (at least long-term) just because that is what my major was. Good luck. You'll be fine.