mdd:
1: Why not? Chachma BaGoyim Ta’amin.
2: Yes, I did note that as well.
3: Impression?
To Nossan B.: We don’t know why he “dumped Halacha”. Was it because of a bad choice, Chavairim, Rabbaim (which I have seen time and time again), parents, Me’Anesed in the Mikvah, or perhaps just a really strong Yeter Hara?
We don’t know. Hashem does. That is why Hashem judges and we don’t. Judge not, that ye be not judged. (MDD, read that as “Al Tadin es Chavercha Ad Shetehei B’Mikomo”).