Your input is always useful! DS is probably averaging about an hour a week although he is not at a top 100 level nationally for early high school. I would think that around top 100 nationally at the early high school level probably approaches that turning point as RE commitment for many kids. It does appear that in the U.S. as well, you don't need to know more stuff until probably MOSP. I definitely agree that it shouldn't be presented as a "must" but as a logical option if he wants to improve.