"And the problem is that compulsory schools, far from nurturing these attributes in children, extinguish them through control and regimentation."

I believe that this is actually the main function of compulsory education. Conformity to authority and to 'learn' how to be bored (as that is what is in store for many of the graduates of said system for the vast majority of their lives). I think it is phenomenal at this. I was in the U.S. military for 6 years and the boot camp process of 'breaking down and building up' is modelled near identically in nature to our educational systems. They are meant to create obedience, not educated citizens. Just offering another angle towards the massive issues surrounding our indoctrination camps :)

I'm loving reading and getting into all your thoughts (that sounded a bit creepy...) Haha!