Opinions are sometimes dangerous because a less educated mind may not fully grasp the entire scenario. Speaking on rote memorization of multiplication tables, it's not about numbers; it's about making connections inside tat wonderous gray matter that we call our brain.  Therefore, by learning early the concept of rote memory and recall, the brain builds the synapses and dentrites neccesary in building a living data base for future entries in any field. Without first developing that circuit, students will not run to the calculator - in high school - when I say, "What is 11 times zero?" It happens because the student has not developed the area where memorizing such simple key factors - 'Any number times zero is zero.' occurs.  Memorizing multiplication tables is not about numbers; it's about you and your brain.