AZ: “Now for the core issues and the suggestions you deem so “harmful”
1 as I have repeatedly said, I’m all in favor of removing artificial barriers to shidduchim. When my advice is consulted I always have, and will, suggest that if the shidduch seems compatible it should be pursued, whether the boy is 8 years older or 4 younger. I don’t think the relative ages should be an issue either direction.
2 shaddchanim should give equal attention to all, and certainly not boycott anyone just because they are straight out of seminary.
3 6 months earlier than what??? If they are not ready, wait. If they are ready, they are anyways dating. Do you really think after all these years boys don’t take the freezer into account when deciding when to go to lkwd???
“many many of the boys should not go to EY at all”
On this I agree with you. In my Philly days, Rav Elya discouraged most boys from going to EY. They stayed in Philly until 22 or 23 and then went to Lkwd. They didn’t date younger, they stayed in Philly 5 years of Beis Medrash. Find that today!
However, someone who truly stands to gain from EY should stay longer. The current 1 year pre-lakewood visit is not enough time for substantial gain