I didn't say that current is independent of vbe. I said current due to the Early effect is independent of vbe. In other words, the current is composed of two components, the normal 'forward' transconductance current which is dependent on vbe, and the current that is dependent on VCE. That current, independent of vbe, is degenerative and decreases vbe ( notice I don't say here is vbe in independent of output curret ) If you read up on it, you would see I"m correct.