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Now, maybe that internal psychological enjoyment of my video game playing is actually a "real-world" benefit. I don't know. But all I know is that it certainly doesn't help me in doing what I ought to be spending my time doing. And certainly, I doubt that I will earn a higher salary just because of all my gaming.
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Ya see, I don't think one should only do what one "ought" to be doing. And one should not only do things or learn things that will earn them more money. The inherent value in the ECs my kids did were so numerous, even if they never ever pursue studies in or careers related to these endeavors.....examples of ECs they were heavily involved in their entire lives.....ski racing, soccer, tennis, musical theater, dance (many forms), instrumental music, voice, student government, travel. We felt they ought to be doing those things. They pushed us to do them and we were behind them all the way. They continue doing many of these in college.
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So they would actually prefer to flunk out? If so, they are clearly in the distinct minority.
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Um, no of course they do not prefer to flunk out. But they NEVER would flunk out because it is their nature to achieve and they would not be satisfied with doing poorly. And I think if the college accepted them, they are capable of the work. I suppose if a school were too difficult, they may need to change schools. If they are failing in a major, it can't be only that it is too hard but that they are not into it enough to at least pass. What I was saying earlier is that there is no way they would do a major in which they were not deeply interested just so they could pass and graduate college. The alternative to that is not flunking out, however.
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It's pretty darn hard to be passionate about a subject in which you are constantly getting F's. After all, nobody enjoys doing poorly.
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If you are getting F's, it may not be because it is too difficult but because you are not passionate enough and motivated enough to at least get a passing grade in that subject. Again, if you are not passionate about a subject, pick a different one you ARE passionate about. You mentioned picking an easier major whether that was a major passion or not but just to graduate. I don't relate to that and neither do my kids. I do believe in changing majors if the current one is not the one for you and I imagine if you are failing, you are not that keen on it in the first place enough to pass. If you were admitted to the school and work your butt off, you should be able to at least pass...maybe not with A's, but pass.
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Similarly, embarking on rigor for its own sake probably does create some internal psychological enjoyment for some people, but probably isn't going to be rewarded in terms of a higher salary. That's what I mean.
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Who cares if rigor is rewarded in terms of a higher salary? That's the point (Ben has made it too). SOME students crave rigor and crave challenge and would not be content in courses or colleges that are too easy for THEM. My kids are of this nature. They do not enjoy what is easy. None of this is related to earning money in their eventual careers, however.
About Sloan...I never said someone would HATE everything it offers but there is no way my kids would choose a major just because it is there and because it is easier, even if they didn't hate the subject.
Regarding the crazed parents...I acknowledge....they DO exist. Some are even on CC. They do not represent what you refer to as "most parents"....perhaps most in your social circle or community or many who frequent CC....but there are many many many across this country whom you do not come in contact with who are not caught up in that frame of thinking. You will meet very very few in my community for instance.