But I think I have all philosophy majors with me when I say that there must be a simpler way to get to the knowledge level we reach upon graduation.

Certainly not all, but I'm with you.

Finally, having wasted substantial amounts of time reading those parts that should not be read of philosophy, and not intending to do the same mistake in other areas, I ask you to publish a selection of readings in your area of expertise, The Sequences are a major rationality shortcut, and we need more of that kind.

Be cheered that you've been through the worst of it - few other fields have so very many " parts that should not be read " yet nonetheless have so many parts that should be read.