I believe that there is a strong argument to be made for the middle ground. Like you, I have been both a teacher and student, often at the same time, and was exposed to the trade-offs that any educational paradigm will have to make.
My current favorite approach is the one taken by Udacity in their "Nanodegree" programs. Much of the coursework is tied to autograders, which offer quick (if not very nuanced) feedback on the work performed. The culmination of each unit is a project evaluated by a human being, allowing for guidance on a more personal level.
In the absence of 1:1 tutoring, a hybrid model like this would be the base for my ideal class structure.
My current favorite approach is the one taken by Udacity in their "Nanodegree" programs. Much of the coursework is tied to autograders, which offer quick (if not very nuanced) feedback on the work performed. The culmination of each unit is a project evaluated by a human being, allowing for guidance on a more personal level.
In the absence of 1:1 tutoring, a hybrid model like this would be the base for my ideal class structure.