Back in "the day" the sciences were more reliant on aprentiships, mentorships and self study. Those seeking that path would often concentrate on a very narrow path, and as they became more senior would often not have the interpersonal skills to pass on the knowledge or collaborate. Great such as Newton, Einstein, and others really did not have the skills to pass on their discoveries and sometimes let their egos get in the way of collaboration. Both styles have there pros and cons, and I think a hybrid approach would work well. Not exactly a "physics apprenticeship" focused on self study of a narrow path, but not the general education we have now. We really need to rethink how education is done.