>>pay walls restrict a lot of reporters

Journal paywalls restrict pretty much everybody who hasn't paid. I'd feel differently about it if the money was going back to the researchers (or the NSF), but as it is, it feels predatory. Yes the journals have reviewers - but I've never been paid for that (computer engineering/EE, not bio). Have you?

Also, agreed 100% on statistics in education. There are Jr high school level books out there( e.g. "How to Lie with Statistics"). I suspect the problem has to do with the 'standard' math progression, leaving calculus until last. I'd slot it in between geometry and algebra 1. But that's a different discussion.