The short answer is I think in the modern era it is dangerous and irresponsible to spend time and energy learning and mastering outdated and fading technologies. I design and think in 3D, and I would like to find a place in the 3D modelling industry for a future career, but I would like to eliminate the (in my opinion) relatively archaic methods of working in an unwrapped 2D format, saving me the time and strain of needless complexity when for a decade the technology has existed to get similar results without UV mapping such as with Ptex. I realize there are tradeoffs when it comes to output fidelity specifically with detail but I have always been gravitated toward more lose artistic expression than photorealism. Since Unreal Engine is so advanced, and has had years of improvements I figured there must be a way to drive the car without learning manual, so to speak. It seems I might be a few years too early. In the meantime it is a relief to know that learning UV mapping seems more/less mandatory, but I will continue to keep my eye out for methods that abstract out the tedious nature of 2D translations.