Wait...what the...I thought this was going to be about the rock band Trivium.
Seriously though, thanks for explaining about the trivium method. The problem as I see it, which has caused my optimism of youth to decay is the knowledge that the majority of people have no desire to use critical thinking. It would get in the way of their desire to not be involved, let the experts handle it. My dad used to say people were like electricity and would follow the path of least resistance. Much easier to turn ones eyes from the truth so one can avoid having to take any stands that could jeopardize the immediate moment of gratification.
Despite the sophistication of human toys, humans are not any different than we were in antiquity. Much of the earliest writings by man are a testament to the fact most want to be led. And those in power prefer it this way, which is why any successful revolution usually rids itself of the intelligentsia once in power. They normally make such pests of themselves in the dynamic of expert and follower, and we can't be having any of that.
There does seem to be a tendency for humans to want to follow, or to be led, instead of taking that control. Even if a centralized leadership were to fail, I imagine there would be community leaders who would rise up fractally so that most of the followers could carry on.
What probably is happening now is a general realization that the cultural idea of 'leaders' might be flawed in itself, and that for the most part, we've got this, and don't need rulers overseeing things.