I feel like you're weirdly aggro about this discussion. I don't want my message to come off as criticism or hate, I'm trying to express that I'm concerned about another person. If she really is happier because of her path, then that's great and more kids should attempt this lifestyle. But I just don't have enough evidence for that fact, and I would like to hear more. Most of the positive evidence is from a short article.

Right now I have more anecdotal evidence saying this is unhealthy in this comment section than I do the contrary, so I want to be proven wrong. I don't want to be correct that someone had a bad experience.

Your other questions are answered in the article.

They really aren't. Of course she'll say she's thankful, most people would when talking to a reporter. I don't imagine many 17 year olds would immediately start bad-mouthing their parents right away, especially considering I'd expect the parents to be present in the interview process since she's a minor by U.S. standards.

And of course the instructors are complimentary, you'd hear the same compliments about any student who asked questions and went to office hours. They aren't particularly unique for her experience, frankly. I wouldn't put too much weight on them being evidence of her happiness.

Perhaps down the road she'll give an interview and talk about her experience more, once she's more independent and had more time to process and reflect. Then perhaps my questions will be properly answered. I can only hope so, and I can only hope she reflects positively.

A kid who blew it all on Minecraft missed out on a lot as well if we’re going to be honest.

I never said anything to the contrary. Both can be true, they aren't mutually exclusive. I would agree spending too much time glued to a screen is also not a healthy lifestyle for a child