I get the overall sentiment because I am born well-enough-off and I agree that you are basically signing away your health or even life (after all, no regular me

I get the overall sentiment because I am born well-enough-off and I agree that you are basically signing away your health or even life (after all, no regular mechanic will have to fix a car in a shootout). OTOH, lots of people don't have my fortunate background and loving but poor parents can only do so much. Housing and food being taken care of and a paycheck on top is a very good incentive if the other choice is to be a "burden" on your family for another few years... Not gambling health or life is only possible in a very privileged setting. Those not in it might actually be making a very wise choice.