“Not allowing student loans to be discharged in BK is WHY we are at this problem. “
No it isn’t.
It’s because there is absolutely no assessment of the student’s ability to pay, as now almost ALL student loans are from the US taxpayer to the student.
That’s why defaulting students owe nearly $1 trillion. And rapidly growing.
https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/understand/plans
The government is not an aggressive debt collector, unless you’re delinquent on taxes.
PRIVATE student loans are almost always repaid, as the bank will prevent you from acquiring any assets, and will even attach income to ensure repayment. Certainly if you’re in default on a private loan you’ll never buy a house or get a car loan.
You are missing it even thiugh you just said it yourself. There is no assessment on ability to pay because it’s not dischargeable! It will follow you to your Social security withholding with interest and penalties.