As to your two mullings, they're interesting. Let me offer arguable comments.
1. I don't remember reading, hearing, or seeing formal distinctions that assert students aren't necessarily learners. That counters the social function of schooling. I' argue that learning is implied in public policies fo education by tradition. Also, a learners view represents experimental empirical behavioral science descriptions of what learners' do to learning. No assumption, but I do liken the idea using the term in more general ways. Yes?
2. Grades, tests, critiques of papers, etc. represent accountability of students now and in the past. Common Standards appear to represent one set of contemporary conversations. Perhaps you have concern with the apparent corruption of traditional accountability measures?