No one wants to be a lab rat
What come first the application or knowledge and if knowledge is first, then why not work it within the form of development (understanding) before application?
True,,,, but sometimes everything gets better with life, but without a strong understanding or comprehension, how could one even start to have a career. No one will get hired in that situation without a degree; no matter how much they may think they know.
But if one develops their mind with the knowledge or understanding that he or she is trying to project, they will have a stronger promise of application. Rather than executing applications without development or a very good understanding, that will only cause malpractices and renewal of license (starting over).
Take care,