> It seems like a very shallow replacement for skimming

Actually, I think we have it all backwards. We're taught to skim because such tools didn't exist. Once (if!) they are reliable enough, skimming should become a dead art, like shorthand is.

One should know how to read well (in detail), when one needs to. Everything else can be delegated. Indeed, this is why people in high positions don't skim - they can afford secretaries and underlings to do the skimming for them.