Teaching large groups of students can become problematic, especially if you are wanting to tailor your lessons to as many different learning styles as possible. Unfortunately, it can sometimes be impossible to actually even attempt this with large classes.

I understand your desire to get to know your students - it's one of the most important aspects of this job. Knowing how they learn is particularly important if the have learning difficulties, or are advanced learners. We don't want to misalign what they need to learn with how they learn it, otherwise it can lead to boredom, and then, generally, misbehaviour.

I must also agree with your statement:

Right now, actually the students that really excel are those who take command of their own education.

Yes, students who are motivated and self-led are always more likely to succeed. Especially when they leave the shelter of secondary education and enter the less scaffolded arena of tertiary education.