I don't think it is difficult to accept that fundamentals should be taught.

We spend years learning basic arithmetic like the addition of integers. You could very well argue that there is no need for that either because everyone has a calculator app on their phone. This is how dark ages begin.

It drives me crazy how so many people (of all ages) can't do basic math in their head, at least approximately. You need it constantly and it's so much faster than picking up your phone, starting the app, and typing in the operation. I'm so glad my teachers back in the 80s and 90s told me "you won't always have a calculator in your pocket". They were wrong (I do have one) but they were right (it's not always convenient to rely on a calculator).