Mdd,
However, I think, the Chareidim overpushed their luck there.
I’m not sure what you mean; if you mean that there are too many loafers who aren’t using their time productively, I am sure there are some, but I don’t know how many. I do know what I’ve read about the Chazon Ish’s take on it; he considered those who give undeserved exemptions to be rodfim, because they cast a negative light on the serious learners (IIRC). I believe the same is true for individual loafers, but I wouldn’t call that “the Chareidim”, because it’s not institutional.
You can not just look at it form what is better for a bochur’s learning vantage point.
That’s where we disagree. I can’t overstate the importance of learning in general, and specifically as it relates to the development of b’nei Torah. The very future of klal Yisroel is at stake, and this is the reason for the strong stance of the gedolim, as I understand it. It’s a no compromise issue.
Thank you for speaking up agaist shmoolik’s post. I feel like Ican carry on a normal discussion with you. Although I disagree with you, I do think that you’re trying to be reasonable (as am I, I hope).