Sir Walter is very harsh on those who lose their youthful looks, isn't he? I am re-reading the section (ch. 3) where he talks about his main objections to the navy: First, "being the means of bring persons of obscure birth [what? not in the Baronetage?] into undue distinction;" and secondly "cuts up a man's youth and vigor..." It seems it matters not if a man is actually strong and healthy--if he's lost his looks, he's lost everything in Sir Walter's estimation.