> if we were talking about a family struggling with the idea of taking their kids out of public school to put them into a frum school
you are right. For me it was shocking because the parents are both learned and at least one has great middos. They understood what the kid needs but felt trapped. I would be indeed less shocked knowing what some am haaretz would do. I think you are kind-off see my position as corrupt learners v. honest amei haaretz. Not so. I am suggesting that learnt Jews should grow in their middos (and learning) not that they should lower themselves.