Well on your super toilet theory there is one problem. What happens when the super snake machine breaks? Who fixes it and do you setup extra set of supply lines along with the water for the turd busting chemicals? Not to be a prick but we are a long way away from a fully automated society. Either way I don’t see it happening in out lifetime.
Your second question about the eduaction. I had 3 primary professors for my SCM degree. They all had practical knowledge and experience in the field and were successful. The reason for them religating themselves to teaching was simple they wanted to settle down and have a family. Much the same reason why I haven’t accepted any jobs in the SCM field yet. I was offered a few very good positions, but they required me relocating and being bounced all over the country. Not really an option since I’m married and my wife has the same degrees I do and is employed in a career oriented matter where we are currently. Both of us also like the area and don’t really want to leave and we live comfortably on our combined income. Do I plan on turning wrenches forever no, but for now it pays the bills and beat what a lot of people my age are stuck doing college degrees or not.