AZOI, from what I’ve heard about the cherem, it was clear that it wasn’t working and in the best interest of a strong Jewish home, on an individual home basis. Age gaps between spouses is NOT a risk factor for shalom bayis. Many people have strong marriages (raise your hands if you grew up in such a home; my parents were four years apart). On a COMMUNAL level, the numbers seem to be pointing to a problem for a significant minority of young women. Apples and oranges.
