Part of me agrees that debuts are a great for representing the transition to "adulthood" (even though eighteen is FAR from being an adult - exhibit A: college/university freshmen). I see nothing wrong with someone wanting to celebrate that fantasy of having freedom and independence - we all wanted it as young teens.

But yes, the other side of me does agree that money can be better spent. I think debuts nowadays has lost it's true value. People want to out-do each other, and that's not what it's about.

To most, it is a tradition. It's hard to kill traditions.