r.t., I don’t agree with your assertion that one can be “pushed” off the derech. That would take away bechira which we all have.
I’m just agreeing to the fact that even if we may be correct, we still should not be in a judging position.
I’m not sure how it’s apllied if when I’m writing my opinion it’s not just for the sake of blogging, but because I think if we analyze why kids go off it may help in identifying the root cause of the problem.
But the truth is, of what help is it whether one knows it’s bechira or not?
On the other hand, the constant pandering and lowering of our expectations of staying the course and the seriousness of leaving it, gets diluted because we are supposed to respect even those who cast off their Yiddishkeit bacause we feel they were “pushed” off and didn’t have a choice (but ironically we are supposed to respect their choices).
You may have a point about being in judgement of OTD’s. But the message still must be clear that no one can have excuses for leaving Yiddishkeit.