But aviation is full of ancient elitist practices and proving that you can "go solo" is one of them.
I'd agree in part, IO540 (You and I agreeing; is that a first?
) However, as an instructor I'd say that going solo does two things - it increases a student's self-confidence, and also makes him/her a lot more careful and self-reliant once they realise they're on their own up there. So I think you need to do it...but who cares when?