When I went to school kids didn't learn their ABC's until first grade and we still graduated knowing more than the average college grad today. An earlier start means little or nothing by the time a child is 16.
I agree. Early reading is insignificant. In Germany they don't start school til age 7. Somehow they manage. If the kids are not READY to learn that skill, they will not learn it. (Piaget said). Look at toilet training -- when they are ready, it takes about a day. When they are not yet ready, physically and emotionally, it could take a year.