[Yarikoff]

In other words, do we really need to read the Pali canon at all?

I recommend that you read selected suttas if not the entire thing. But if you have already made up your mind not to, stop asking if you need to because such questions indicate that you are not sure of your decision.

knowledge is the bondage?

knowledge is not the bondage. Attachment to knowledge is the bondage. I invite you to investigate this for yourself.