lkwdfellow: Exactly my point. We can get plenty of boys in early (19 & 20), since they will be supported anyway. Without the concept of “life support”, the ballgame becomes completely different, with large incentives to marry older girls.
Dr. Pepper: If there is a solution supported by the Gedolim, then the Rabbaim will follow. The point you bring in (don’t get married, you’re learning) is a large Machlokes Amoraim (Keddushin 1st Perek), followed by a large Machlokes Rishonim what they meant. The topic is not simple at all, but with support, most (if not all) of the reasons to push off getting married brought in the Rishonim fall off.
SJS: “Because the takanas just reinforced that the rich can get away these things because the rabbonim tolerate it.”
Judaism 101: It’s very much part of who we are today. Very well said and a point that we always need to keep in mind. THERE IS NO “ENFORCEMENT” POSSIBLE.