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For me, Jan, both are equally important. It's probably a bit sad, but for me there is nothing as satisfying as problem-solving, understanding and academic "stuff". I am sad that many young people will miss the opportunity to develop that part of themselves - we will lose a great resource that way, and they lose an opportunity for greater self satisfaction. Without people who "do" the book learning we would not have the internet, great philosophers, great architecture, biology, physics, vocabulary................the world turns on developing our understanding. It also feeds the skill you mention about reading people - and charming them too!! But it isn't all about "academic" stuff - to me it is admirable and beyond my ken to understand electrics, my car, the dardstadly things that go on in machinery....to develop a business, create wonderful things. Each individual has the right to develop their own unique set of skills, and with governments who seem hell bent on reducing access to proper, real education that involves all of the above, we are, frankly doomed and I have nothing but contempt for the politicians who set this course and some who have reneged on their promises for the sniff of power.