ROB, I would have to say I don’t know. But I think that a present day talmid chochom would be able to easily refute any bible criticism that comes his way withough actively studying the subject. One with a true understanding of the Torah can defend it from falsehood. I see no reason why 19th century gedolim would HAVE to study the subject of criticism, in order to know what to refute.
It seems that your concept of gadlus b’torah is too shallow.