IFMU, Mary probably means 'too long ahead of being able to solo' as in the UK it's 2 years later, 16. I guess the rest depends on individuals and as you say, 'brainwashing'
EDIT as reply for
IFMU's post below: Well, and
Australia, 15yo to solo. NZ should be 16 these days (found some bits of info possibly from past, that NZ CAA allowed under 16 solo in the past, don't bother too much about it). I get to do more research on various flying in various countries, so I see it more. There were some keen youngsters in the past who were good enough to fly solo so they soloed on their hols in Australia etc.