Doesn't matter how much you study, how many books you read, how much economics you know and how many "expert" opinions you hear and follow. The crypto market doesn't follow the traditional market. You need to trade in order to understand the market. The more you trade, the better you will be. More naturally you will understand how the crypto market works. Yeah, basic finance and economic study might help, but don't think you will become an expert in crypto market if you are good at those.
Yes, you are right, theory and theory alone are not enough to show that someone is really proficient and able to control the situation in the crypto market. We have often heard what the OP said and it's easy to talk about ideally investing in crypto assets. But when it is in the field 99% will make decisions based on pressure and instinct while 1% of theory only remains in the reading book. Don't think that everything is easy, even people who have been in the crypto world for years always feel left behind if they don't pay attention to the fluctuating market.