So is the harder route better?

The easier route can normally get you to where you want faster. If the harder route is proven better, than it probably is worth the effort for some, however, that is normally not the case.

Life is complicated enough as it is, as far as my kids are concerned, if I can do anything about it, I would still urge them to take the easier route.

If you want them to have more life experience in general, you can start pushing them out to find part time jobs once they reach high school, you can also try to get them to part time jobs to support themselves when they are in college, but I don't think it is necessary to have them flip burgers for a few years after they are out. If you have filtered people's resumes to get them to come in for interviews, then you know those types of experiences don't necessary help, yes, for a young kid, but definitely not an adult.