We'll have to agree to disagree on that one, I think. I know that I personally became a much better cook - and specifically, since you mention it, much better

We'll have to agree to disagree on that one, I think. I know that I personally became a much better cook - and specifically, since you mention it, much better at cooking steak - after learning the science behind it. I do agree that they're not essential to learning how to cook. Millions of people cook without knowing these things. But for people with a specific mindset, they are likely to be helpful if more "traditional" routes don't gel well for them.