It has long perplexed me...

[goosebrown]

I can't learn from manuals that well. I need to be shown and the very best way is for mentored play (thanks Schoenwulf!) but I get your point. If you really get it, that is easier to just play two scenarios. I have to say though that my life is full of the crap I HAVE to get done. PG is a relax for me and I think that that mentoring relationship can be a great way to do that. Nothing like hanging out in your own dining room with someone and playing through a game. 

It's great that there are multiple ways to go through the academy. I loved the mentor path though.