I like the R-ATP model... you can gain some 121 experience under age 23 but with a more experienced PIC on board.

Many jobs with significant responsibility and judgement requirements often have a hard or de facto age minimum... Hertz won't even rent you a compact car under age 25, and it's not like they don't *want* your money.

Very few folks would practically be able to qualify for a regular ATP under age 23 anyway. It's mathematically possible, and done occasionally, but it would take some real hustle. And skipping college... we're not at a point where the US industry is totally poop-canning the degree requirement. I'd say it's more like they're waiving it for the duration of the crisis, and it will be back eventually, at least as a competitive minimum.