]she could have asked for a prolonged engagement as others have suggesten in a thread below

But what if, after 4-6 years, CW had failed to make his fortune? (Not inconceivable, given Rae's information regarding Graham Moore.) Or worse, if CW had been killed? (Not inconceivable, considering the hazards of a navy career -- especially in wartime.)

Then Anne would have been at a serious disadvantage in the marriage market (look what happened to Casssandra Austen, JA's sister).

Lady Russell could have suggested a prolonged engagement, but would that have been prudent when the gentlemen in question was in such an uncertain, hazardous career? I realize that LR would not have suggested a prolonged engagement, based on her disapproval alone of CW. But her disapproval of him personally does not make a prolonged engagement a prudent decision.