I don't think research math is that accessible! Granted theoretically it's possible to just read papers and do research--and possibly it's theoretically as accessible as possible. In practice people learn better with teachers and access to experts at the research level. If this pans out, we can commoditize access to experts (or even experts).

But even in 1913 a brilliant mathematician from the middle of nowhere could access a world class mentor. I would assume that this is so much easier these days. What would stand in the way of a modern day math prodigy from getting accepted into a good program?

Or is it about making this more accessible to students who are "merely good" rather than brilliant?

yes I mean more accessible to the general public yes.

Some people imagine AI will soon be a bit like being able to go to a university professor's office hours to ask questions and get detailed expert advice on any part of the undergraduate curriculum you're struggling with.

Except it'll be available 24/7 and you won't have to pass exams, spend $$$$, attend full time, and live in dorms and be in your late teens or early 20s to get access.

And you'll have to fact check every answer to make sure it's not a "hallucination".