Kiruv, thats probably because this topic has been discussed ad nauseum so it veered off 🙂
As to my thoughts – perhaps when the people who need the money stop looking down on those who earn the money, Kollel might be more viable.
With the current economic climate, many big baalei tzedaka can no longer give any money or have to give much more limited funds. Its going to be tough to get funding for Kollel when there are little children that are starving. My husband and I are both working in professional jobs (we both have degrees and decent paying jobs), but it takes both of us to pay the mortgage, bills, daycare…we have very few luxuries (the only thing I really consider a luxury at this point is our TV/internet/phone package of $100/month and our gardener) – I never have cleaning help, we cook 99% of our meals, we barely buy new clothing (my husband needed some new suits recently because he hadnt bought any in 4 years), I havent bought any new clothing (except maternity clothing) in about 3 years. I coupon shop to save a ton of money. We basically make ends meet and have a little left over in case anything goes wrong. How can I even begin to think about supporting a Kollel couple? Yes, I give maaser, but that primarily goes to my shul or to people who need food right now. Soon, it will go towards yeshiva tuition.
Kollel is a luxury and the branch of society that pushes it so hard needs to understand that. Every man is required to learn and most of the working men I know learn a lot. There is no exemption to stop learning just because you are working.