I've not read all this post (there's a surprise G, just jump in with your daft ideas), but Groove vs Theory? Really???
I would have thought every bassist would want both? I know I do.
Wanting groove but not theory is a bit like being able to speak English, but not being interested in learning how to read or write it or even what the words mean.
Vice versa, wanting to learn theory but not groove is like being able to write words but not managing to make a decent sentence (I think I actually fall under this category when it comes to speaking . ).
What's next, strings vs leads?