There is a fine line between “arguing against our own case” and “full discussion of pros cons risks benefits” of course. And doomsaying can be just as bad.
But I would agree at least to some extent. There are few places where any of this gets discussed, and “hope is not a strategy” (well, ok, it is, but…). We are making non-trivial investments of time and energy. More pointedly, for some of this is much more of a Plan-A as opposed to some Plan-B where “if it fails I’m just out some money and time”, but hopes and dreams are on the line, not just for ourselves but for family.
I don’t think that convincing people to not apply is going to cause the government to change strategy. But people can be warned that it’s not all sweetness and roses.