Sigh.. shouldn't post just after waking up from a night out. I think the answer most likely to be true is that no, it is not just a numerical age difference that causes the trauma and thus constitutes abuse. It's probably a number of factors.. Familial relations, position of power/trust over victim, levels of coersion/consent, etc.
Society has decided a need to restrict underage sex, and has decided to do it mostly using the imperfect logic of ability ot consent.. You're right, I am "conflicted between logic and popular consensus" in arguing against the imperfect ability of consent scheme.
"I think...it is not just a numerical age difference that causes the trauma and thus constitutes abuse. It's probably a number of factors...Familial relations, position of power/trust over victim, levels of coercion/consent, etc.
Society has decided a need to restrict underage sex...."
1. "Society" has decided "a need" to restrict?
2. Is there such a thing as right or wrong in your thinking?
3. Do you know what a child is? A minor?
4. Is age a trivial factor in your mind?
5. Are you saying that if "familial relations" are good and a child and a relative consent, then psychological and physical harm won't necessarily result from sexual interaction?
6. And if the child "trusts" the older person and consents, then psychological and physical harm won't result. Is this what you're saying?
If this is what you believe, then there is absolutely no difference between the way you're thinking and the way a pedophile or molester of minors thinks on this issue.
I'm not saying you're a molester, but it would be helpful if you analyzed your own thinking on this. Because you're sounding like you'd fit in nicely at a NAMBLA parade.
Perhaps I'm misunderstanding and you can explain?
Or perhaps I am understanding very well....
7. Which is it?
Please answer each numbered question directly if you could. A simple yes or no will suffice to keep this brief. I'm not meaning to offend, but I think a brief yes/no to those questions will help me to understand your position better.