Charlie, what about the Dor of Chizkiyahu Hamelech? The Essen Kest ‘system’ was around for many years. In fact, as the Gemara says, Ha Lan Veha Lehu. They learned full time after they were married. Others have said, Ikka Kani Be’agma. The Gemara also says that Torah is ontained by those who become Achzarim to their families. The Gemara is full of advice for Tzurba Derabanan who had to live cheaply. But mainly, as Gavra said, we took advantage of everything to learn more.
There was no change in Hashkafa from a Rav’s Rebbe.
By the way, Rabbi Solovetchik also spoke about the importance of following the Gedolim, I am told.
As long as the difference of when to apply what and to whom is not understood, we can keep on bringing junk proof this way and that.