Thanks for writing this up! One of the big advantages to independent research imo is that it's much easier to pivot whenever you want, without having to justify yourself to anyone (well, depends on what kind of independence you have). Let's you iterate across projects much faster, so it's easier to end up finding a project that's truly worth your time.

Hi There!

Great points, and definitely  worth pondering if a certain pursuit is going to be useful or fruitful. But to be honest, most things in life doesn't have guarantees  and my advice would be accept all opportunities that you can assume or absorb with. Our time in this world is limited as well yet it is enough to pursue great things. You do not need to know all the answers now.

All the best, 

Miguel