I’ve not fully read through the thread but a few comments from my experience;
There was talk about privatising student loans a while back, it’s alright saying most wont pay it back but 30 years is a long time and a lot can change.
My brother has since emigrated to Canada, that changes the repayment details. I don’t know the full extent but I know it’s cost him a lot.
I enjoyed my time at uni but with hindsight I probably would have been better off in an apprenticeship and working up to a degree. I don’t feel like I use a lot of my Mech Eng degree, it didn’t particularly set me up for a career in industry and practical experience in the work place would have been more beneficial, it has opened doors for interviews though.