Most received the Fields Medal or Turing Award are not "the common student who is not going to be a PhD" so you and GP agree on the importance of universities in that regard. In general I read what they say as solely relating to what I'd categorize as "undergrad or non-specialized track students".
I agree with you there is a lot universities have to offer students though. Your examples of equipment are a great highlight. On the other hand I think when you weight the ever growing cost of attendance with the amount of unique values provided it has been shrinking quite a bit, in favor of the "not providing much value" side. This is especially true for the relative lack of unique values brought for the vast majority of students during the first ~2 years of general education. It's difficult or impossible to get many of these organizations to let you just jump in at that point though.
Overall I think, for many at least, the biggest value is an environment which helps guide them to doing the self learning. Many (most?) can't just sit down to write and then follow their own multi year study plan and end up with something comparable to what they'd get out of going to a university, even if they end up spending the majority of their time there self learning. GP may well not be part of that group but I'm not sure their conclusions apply to those who are.
I agree with you there is a lot universities have to offer students though. Your examples of equipment are a great highlight. On the other hand I think when you weight the ever growing cost of attendance with the amount of unique values provided it has been shrinking quite a bit, in favor of the "not providing much value" side. This is especially true for the relative lack of unique values brought for the vast majority of students during the first ~2 years of general education. It's difficult or impossible to get many of these organizations to let you just jump in at that point though.
Overall I think, for many at least, the biggest value is an environment which helps guide them to doing the self learning. Many (most?) can't just sit down to write and then follow their own multi year study plan and end up with something comparable to what they'd get out of going to a university, even if they end up spending the majority of their time there self learning. GP may well not be part of that group but I'm not sure their conclusions apply to those who are.