Very interesting discussion thread re how much knowledge you need or can aquire on complex technology platforms. The goal is key here, I presume.

I read Charles Perzhold's Code, worked through parts of SICP, developed a bit of high level code software, have a very good knowledge of chemistry, lithographic processes (and QM, half forgotten by now). And yet it is not enough to get a good understanding of the modern computer - EE, compilers, OS de, networks, ... wiring the while thing together, et cetera.

I see the point in historical approaches, but it is quite time consuming. At the end, you will most likely attack problems at one to three levels in the "stack".

What would you consider to be an above average conceptual tool and skill set for the modern hacker?

Yes, I can see how it would help there. I was more thinking of the situation where you take a QM course and don't apply it to an electronics problem. I agree that it's doable for mere mortals, but it might take a fair bit of time!