Happy New Year!
I haven't been by in a while but bolstered by the January 1 "Reality Check". It's a very well stated commentary on the state of things and in appreciation of the solid traditional systems, values and training.
You need to build on a strong foundation for any art. With a solid foundation, all things are possible and it's easier to incorporate new ideas and methods. Without long hours of training in doing circle blocks it would be difficult for me to understand how a spiral block can be more direct and effective than a straight line.
Anyway, for most of us, a traditional system is 'The Way', but clearly, not for everyone.