DY, it is halacha lemaaseh for most people as mentioned above paskened in O’CH SA 156 and Biur Halacha above mentions yechidim. It someone wants to become a morah horaoh, kol hakovad but must emphasize learning gemora to derive halachas (Rif, Rosh and Rambam) following by Tur, Beis Yosef and SA with its commentaries, otherwise yegiah kapecha ki sochel. Look at Rav Shimon Fuerst’s booklet Tanu Kavod Latorah, available at hebrewbooks.com.
