Rabban Gamliel said ‘yafeh’, he did not say ‘chayav’. This implies that it is possible to achieve the same result(mashkachas avon) another way. It is entirely possible that in his time there were those who learned ‘full-time’ and for any number of reasons should not have been doing so. Rabban Gamliel the Nasi therefore taught that Talmud Torah with Derech Eretz is Yafeh and it is therefore ok to do both. We know that his father Rabbeinu Hakadosh was zoche to Shtei Shulchanos and was close to the Roman emperor. In his time there were many talmidim learning torah all the time since they had ample support from the Nasi. When his son took over however, he was no longer able to support so many talmidim. He therefore taught that talmud torah im derech eretz is yafeh. This way the talmidim would be willing to leave the bais medrash and support their families. This is similar to the directive of Rava to his talmidim(brachos 35b). However one who is able to learn torah all the time and has a source of parnassa, need not, and indeed should not, get involved with derech eretz. Agav, it is known that the Rambam himself was supported by his brother for a number of years until his brother died at sea on a business trip.(yissachar zevulun). Certainly one should not throw himself upon the community but if someone is willing to support him, kol hakavod, try to become the biggest talmid chacham you can and be moreh horaos b’yisrael. This is what talmidim have done throughout all the generations. Sure, kollel is not for everyone, but neither is torah im derech eretz.
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