我严重同意你的看法。语法之脉络筋骨作用对于长难句的理解灰常重要，and far important than words. In order to write a fine essay, holding grammar under your belt is a must (那是必须滴）。昨天修改学生的作文，有这样的句子：

Her patience and earnest nature touched me deeply. I worked very hard and made progress.

我的建议是改为：

Touched deeply by her patience and earnest nature, I worked hard and made progress.

(作文中简单句和复合式高级结构应交替使用，可以为其增色不少)