Thanks Aquinas! Actually, there is a great podcast on this issue and how bad it is and how it results in gifted underachievement. It's here:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/colorado-gifted/id650064362?mt=2

Well worth the listen - he talks about a few things but he does talk about giving these kids some control in their education and not taking control "away in a purposeless way" form these kids. It's a great podcast!