Having been following this thread I have agreed with nearly everything you have been saying - but on this one comment I have to respectfully disagree with parts of this.
I like your idea of allowing the kids to be in a setting where they could be more focused on the course work where they will flourish - as long as it is not done to the detriment of areas where they need to concentrate. Where I disagree with you is that it is not like that. It may not be that way where you are but is where I am.
Different areas, different ways of handling things - and that is why I so dislike the stereotyping of just about everything - whether it be education or commerce, police departments or financial institutions.
It would at least be nice to have something along those lines in smaller towns, jmo.