The unpopular, but, in my opinion, best alternative is to reduce the hours/years of mandatory schooling. But many are not ready to admit that going to school, after certain minimum targets are reached, is a waste of time for many, from a purely educational point of view.

Consider this: if achieving some greater than minimum educational targets was considered by "society", or people who did not get those higher than minimum target themselves, something to aspire to, something that would make a difference in one's life (after accounting for "ambition", inclinations, and intellectual talent), why there are almost zero viable opportunities (and interest!) for adults to make up for lost ground or opportunities?

Some may say, "it is because they have families, less time, work etc.". But how many spend hours upon hours watching football or drinking with their besties or buddies talking about nothing at all?

It is all quite hypocritical. Yes, "society" says that school is good, important, necessary for a fulfilling life, but in practice it is not considered to be so, after mandatory schooling is over. Let's get rid of this intolerable hypocrisy and let people follow their inclinations.