[Paddlewise] Why is rolling considered and advanced skill?

As a crossover whitewater paddler, I've been intrigued by the recent
discussions of rolling.  Among whitewater paddlers, rolling is considered a
necessary skill.  It would be nearly impossible to develop more advanced
(whitewater) boat handling skills without first mastering a roll. Clearly it
isn't as much of a necessity for touring paddlers who only paddle in benign
conditions.  On the other hand, at least among whitewater paddlers I'm
familiar with, almost anyone can learn to roll with some instruction and
some perserverance.  If you're comfortable enough hanging upside down in
your boat to perform a wet exit, there's no reason to be apprehensive about
learning to roll.  I learned to roll before I had solid high and low braces,
and I think having the roll first helped me develop these skills more
quickly and confidently. Even folks who never plan to need a roll can use it
as a stepping stone to more confident boat handling in general.  It's sort
of the ultimate demonstration of what you can do with your body to control
the boat.

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