That's actually the point of special class, they are deemed above average curriculum, and are encouraged to self study. If they don't show results they get demoted.
The whole income thing is a way to teach them how to survive as a mage, but done in a safe environment.
It's not too different from...
I understand the confusion, but blame the maid. In his eyes those kinds of actions are just how people genuinely communicate, and are considered polite and proper conduct. In his formative years he got heavily influenced by a single individual, who was around him 24/7 while he barely interacted...