This is only tangentially related to the thread but your statement reminds me of something. How long has it been since Texas outlawed 17-year-old strippers? I know a bunch of clubs used make a big deal out of having 17-year-olds...and then that all suddenly stopped.It is NOT unlawful for a person to have sex with a 17 year old regardless of age difference.
To relate this to the OP - If a 17 year old wants to do some legal thing that some find morally objectionable, then those folks who would judge would be best advised to do so in silence. The law is not on their side.