I simply thought it was an interesting question. I found the discussion on various aspects quite informative. Cost, time, safety and security, stress, physical effort, planning and financial responsibility all seemed to play a part.
However, I was most struck by the number of people who felt it was important to GIVE their kid something, well, luxurious, for lack of a better word.
It was also interesting how many people assumed that I was in control despite the fact the kid is 18, going to college and is in charge of his own financial details. Maybe that’s why parents like to put themselves in a position to hold the pursestrings so tightly, huh? If the kid was more independent, it might be too uncomfortable for them.