“post pubescent 14-17 year old females are “illegal” only because, as the term indicates, some lawmakers decided to make them illegal at that age”
I don’t think it is just “some lawmakers”. I think it reflects societal norms and values of this time.
We live in a strange age.
Sex between minors and adults is strongly discouraged and illegal. Which is of course good.
But sex among these same minors is encouraged and taught in schools and throughout society.
Around the world the age of consent varies, and is as low as 11. Japan is 13 and Germany 14.
https://www.ageofconsent.net/world