I have had some recent experience with helping a friend with his student loan in default/collections. It is eye opening to say the least.
The income based repayment plans are a pretty decent option, and once we did the rehab, it is being handled pretty well by Navient. Of course, interest still accrues, but the rate on these older loans isn't terrible.
However, my millennial friends have it far far worse. Their rates are more like 8 or 9% and up, which is startling, and the loan amounts are frankly staggering. It is a whole different world for these folks than what we remember about the more modest loans and APRs of the past few decades.
I would never advocate someone defaulting, because of the damage mentioned in REWs article, but I can understand the frustration that arises from making what can turn out to be a terrible financial decision when one isn't even old enough to order a beer.