Are obstacles/challenges/difficulties important and of value? In what way(s)?

They can be however some people can do better and go farther without all the extra.  Just doing.....has plenty of challenges and difficulties without someone throwing in ridiculous things.  A person then waste their time working around all the barriers and has their mind on other things rather than the goal. 

A race horse doesn't have to jump over the gate in order to run the race, it is opened for him. 

Of course they are it's the only way you will learn and remember.

Definitely valuable
In overcoming obstacles and circumstances is the understanding
That we have so much more within us that We don't realize.
...sometimes these scenes will
Bring about us rising above the situation with the infinite possibilities
That are within that we are not aware of.
... Sometimes we are placed with these challenges to help us grow
In the awareness that we can rise above any situation.

Good point. He only jumps the gate if he wants a head start and cheats. Thank you for your reply MS! :)

 Yes I guess. We can't know whom we are unless/until we are tested. If we survive the test(s) we are made stronger. If we don't it's moot.Thank you for your reply Baba! :)