I think a big problem in GB has always been that people are expected to make big decisions about what to do with the rest of their lives at way too early an age.
This is a valid point, and certainly of issue in the public policy spectrum; however, one cannot use this argument when working through the system as it stands today.
I would love to be an idealist, but given an awareness of the structure at present, you would be foolish to ignore it!
The debt issue is only partially of relevance - if you have only SLC debts, your position in gaining finance for training is better, as those debts are paid only from earnings. However, if - as many people do - you run up further debts, your position is destroyed with regards to obtaining financing. On the other hand, a school leaver does not have the same strength to gain any debt financing for training simply by reference to their education and age, which the bank will also take into account.
There is no simple answer, hence why I would suggest that each person had different needs, preferences and best possible routes.