ShiroKuro
Very interesting thoughts ShiroKuro.
I am probably just paraphrasing you, but a few further thoughts on this aspect of intensive study/immersion benefits. I whole heartedly agree with you that it is better to study 10 min a day vs a once a week 70 min cramming session (language or music or other). As I see it, the once a week binge session’s main problem is that once done, there is a whole week of « inactivity » before the next session in which the brain is once again engaged, therefore providing a lengthy fade-out period.
In contrast, an intensive immersion program (such as studying a language abroad) where one is more or less constantly solicited does not inherently have long lapses of idling. The daily constant of having to use just acquired knowledge, even though in a binge context, is usually very effective in anchoring new skills in a deeper way.
Of course, the wild card in all of this is definitely the level of personal commitment and interest being manifested along the way. The efforts and motivation one actually puts into learning obviously makes a huge difference, regardless of the studying regime.
(I taught a foreign language to adult learners for several years)
