You would not be the first to suggest that group classes are less beneficial to followers after a certain point. But the situation isn't quite as simple as you make it sound, either.

It isn't too long into the career of an (amateur) dancer before it becomes obvious that in addition to whatever practical utility 'patterns' have, one of their real purposes is to drill basic skills and actions in a variety of contexts which may add quite a bit of complexity. It is one thing to present a leadable frame while standing still - yet another to maintain it while moving, yet more complicated to do it while doing a heel turn - still more to maintain it in a heel turn following a pivot...


While the ladies may not need to spend as much time thinking about the various orders in which things can be put together, they do need to gain practical experience in following different sorts of combinations, learn to stay balanced in various positions, etc.