Well the majority of graduate schemes seem to look for 300 ucas points, equivalent to BBB at A-Level, so university is not a waste if you didn't get AAB. Your A-Levels may preclude you from entering any graduate schemes but there are other options. You can get a graduate job with a small or medium sized company, and many of these also offer excellent opportunities.

Categorically, I would say no to your last question. As far as institutional learning is concerned, you only start to have a chance to exhibit any creative or intellectual substance at university. The number of dull minds with good A levels is astonishing - memory sticks on legs. If you have excellent and original thoughts and can convey them in a discipline you enjoy at university, you will be recognised at some point for your capabilities.