It’s true that mj is more common but i know some guys that do stop there. I dont know how YATZMICH knows that this connection that your son has with this boy isnt worth anything. It’s possible that he’s a strong link for the way back and shouldn’t be ignored.
Your son being in EY means it would probably harder for this boy to drag him down from so far away. Also, depending on how old and mature your son is the less fragile he is. Mothers sometimes see their children as the little boys they once were, not the young adults they are now.
I’m not saying your wife’s side is wrong; fakert, people dont always understand the dangers that should be taken into consideration. Just dont “KEEP YOUR SON AWAY LIKE THE PLAGUE”.