No doubt that some 1.5 year old bucks have more than spikes. If they are born early and have good habitat and brows, you can even see some 6 and 8 pointers in this age class. I have found sheds from an 8pt year and a half old. This is the exception and not the rule though.
No argument there.
Some stats from VT Fish & Wildlife. The VT buck harvest consists of an average of 60% 1.5 year old bucks over the past two years. Of these young bucks, they averaged 2.9 points and weighed 114 pounds. I think the current rule will allow more young bucks to get into the next age class than you might think.
If you're averaging a 3 point then based on the data provided most 1-1/2 yo bucks will be legal to harvest even with a restriction. Sure you'll save some, but I can't see it being a very large number. Maybedue to hunters looking harder and losing the opportunity you gain a few more. Personally I don't see it being a big step and I don't see it helping much. But, I'm also in no way saying you're wrong....just a difference of opinion.