Yes but Grasshopper, everyone is not of the same ability or knowledge. The classes are designed for everyone from "Know it all" to "Know Nothing". Having taught the classes for years, I can assure you that there are all kinds of folks wanting to go to the woods with a stick and string. Those taking the classes are far less likely to make a mistake or cause injury to themselves or others. The highest risk group from past statistics is the 45-60 year old group that think they know it all. They are involved in the majority of the accidents yearly. They're also the group that is most often exempt from the classes because they had a license before some arbitrary year.

P.S. If you'd paid closer attention and not tried to exempt yourself out of the class in your mind at times you'd have learned a lot more.