The high expectations is indeed something to think about. It has never been harder to be extraordinary at something; I feel like there's just too many people on this planet and the competition is fierce. So I don't know who those gifted programs track - but if it's simply your 130ish IQ top 2%, that's really nice and all but doesn't really mean these kids will achieve anything great. Most of them will be successful lawyers, programmers or doctors and that's it. Nothing extraordinarily gifted about them when they will reach adulthood. They are not likely to be pioneers in their fields, to win awards or do anything memorable or great. So why create this insane pressure for them to show how unique and gifted they are?