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Specializing enabled huge advances, everyone having to do everything is actually quite fragile because it can only support a small population.

I think it can be drawn a parallel with the centralized vs decentralised network. Which one is better? And I think the stronger one for the species is a combination of the two.

There are different types of decentralized networks. Not every such network has totally equal nodes, they may still serve different roles. The network is still decentralized as long as sufficiently many nodes are servicing each role.

Networks of specialists is more robust than disorganized bands of generalists. You don't have to go too far back in human history to find food insecurity and disease dominating all other problems.

You get rid of those through specialization.

Only if there isn't enough redundancy.

Though I agree, some of the systems (food/energy supply, communications) we have built are potentially quite fragile and disruptions could cause a lot of mess short term.

Never hurts to brush up on your survival skills Bear Grylls style :)