In response to this:
It sounds like HS vs. PS is like comparing a race car to a giant bus: one is smaller, easier to maneuver, but in some ways more vulnerable, while the other is bigger, slow to turn, but in some ways the safer choice.
Let’s examine the analogy.
The occupants of a school bus are carrying 30 pound book bags and have no safety restraints.
The racecar has five point seat belts, reinforced steel safety cage, and all the gear is likewise tethered.
Although their vehicle has a governor to prevent excessive speed (even if the bus needs it to avoid an accident), I’m not sure the bus the safer choice.
To draw the analogy out to its logical conclusions:
The riders who are first to board the bus are penalized by also being the last to be let off on the ride home. (These are advanced students, which I point out as the analogy was a little murky here).
The school bus arrives at its stops at an arbitrarily appointed time. If its riders are not prepared to board that very minute, the bus leaves without them. If the riders arrive early, they must stand around waiting for the bus. If the bus is late in arriving, the riders must still wait, but are often penalized at their destination for the tardiness of the bus. The racecar waits, ready, for its driver to drive.
The racecar waits for its driver. (The racecar only has a driver; it has no passive passengers).
Bus riders are not permitted to choose their own routes, speeds, companions, or destinations. The racecar driver can certainly spend h** time on a pre-determined track, but it is a choice. The open road is also available.
The racecar driver may drive, to multiple destinations, both day and night.
Wait . . . what made the school bus a “safer” option?