I'm always a bit skeptical that these studied may use current differences in earnings by education to estimate losses in earnings in a context where everyone ha

I'm always a bit skeptical that these studied may use current differences in earnings by education to estimate losses in earnings in a context where everyone has had a similar experience of decreased time in school. A lot of the earnings benefits of education are positional, for example being in the top 10% carries benefits and opportunities, regardless of the overall level of education of the top 10%. Looking at current/past differences in earnings by years of school or abilities would probably not be an accurate estimate of losses that will occur to everyone with a similar difference in their education.