The intellectually inclined are also badly affected by school. The slow pace of learning stifles intellectual curiosity, and causes severe boredom. School is a nightmare that grinds them down while not allowing them to pursue their interests.
(Speaking for the UK, anyway.)
What changed 50 years ago?
>If you need fresh air
I got plenty of fresh air walking to and from school each day, as well as gym class, and recess in elementary school, intermural sports in high school.
>12 to 16 years of punishment and being ground down
In your example, why would someone attend 16 years if only 12 are required? Also, school year is only 35-40 weeks of the calendar year, so not really like a prison at all.
This has led to many people being steered into college or university when they should really just be out working a job. Hence the 16 year number.
I am delighted this system worked out for you. It is perfectly valid for many. It is also a hellhole for many others.
There should, at the very least, be something where you learn to follow instructions and put things together. Like ikea furniture. Learn how to hang a picture. And so on.
Heck, I know people who can barely change their light bulbs.
This implies that being truant from school is some kind of a self-betrayal. School as constituted over the last 50 years ago or so is effectively no different from prison for many many people. If you are sedentary, intellectually inclined, and not cut out for a job in the trades, school may be good for you.
If you need fresh air or are entrepreneurial or competitive in sports or are better suited for welding than for trig, it is 12 to 16 years of punishment and being ground down.