Here's how I see religious education
If there's a lack of religious scholars in a nation then without doubt it's the best path to follow. That was the case in BD in the 70s as I had seen it. There were lots of "saints" what we call "pir", but almost no scholars.
In contrast when there is an over supply of religious scholars and you see them fighting within themselves for popularity and post, that indicates the society right now isn't hungry for another one.
That's the point when one should learn the religious teachings for himself mainly. To know the rulings so that he himself can act on it and later teach his family. That's "beneficial knowledge" which Rasulullah ﷺ prayed for.
But knowledge of only useful things on a subject, doesn't make oneself a "scholar" on that subject. He will be simply another "knows enough to get it done" person.
And no matter how bad it sounds, that's the level everyone should pursuit for, when there's no lack of real scholars on that subject.
That brings up the next question : what amount of religious knowledge can we consider as beneficial and useful in one's life?
That's for another day.