Nah sayers can take a hike. 
The idea is to replace the reading aspect, which is too powerful currently, with something else. Obviously you’d have to be smart about your implementation and not make it a grind fest. If you run around swing your sword everywhere, having no idea what you are doing, it would take forever to learn anything above the basics about it. But if you studied a book on Kendo, you’d at least know the basics of swordsmanship. You will mainly be working out the how to apply what you learned. Like I said in the first post, with knowledge in a skill, your skill would advance much faster. Obviously some skills would require some tweaking to allow for this system. Like mechanics having no zero skill level applications that I know of. Who said you should be able to do everything? This would also increase the long term value of starting skills.
And here is where I suggest a few items to assist in learning that is non-bookish but makes sense.
Laptop computers: Run on batteries. User to run various findable software/dvd/cds. There are always how too videos all over the place on the internet. Some exist on dvd and such and some can even be found at your local library. Not to mention in various homes.
Items for practice: Practicing shouyld use exp/knowledge
Shinai (practice sword) Practicing with this would get you to skill level 1.
Beginners Electronics Kit: Practice with this would get you to skill level 2.
BB Gun
Pellet handgun
Airsoft Handgun
Lawnmower: Most shop classes start with small engines.
Practice dummy: First Aid
You skill level gain with knowledge and a practice items/materials should be around that of a book, if not a lil better. The idea is to make it so you actually have to work for your skills instead of holing up at a farm, reading the book, and living off the squirrels that suicide into your barbed wire. I can say this because it’s what I just did in my game. Current skill books make it VERY easy to gain skills. I’m sorry if you want a free ride, I don’t support it.
