I guess I just don't feel it's that huge of a deal. Kids can be small for their age, or start puberty late and feel awkward and out of place even without a skip. And the driving issue isn't as big of a deal... at least in Texas you can get a hardship license for your kid at 15 without much work.
I personally didn't start my period until I was 14... and didn't have breasts to speak of until I was 20. There was no getting around it. I was FINE. That stuff didn't seem important to me, so I didn't let it become an issue.
I think it just depends on the kid. If your child is very sensitive to peer pressure, and to teasing, then it's something to consider... if your kid is a little oblivious (like I was) and pretty self-assured, I don't think it's worth letting them be bored for 6+ hours a day for the next however many years just to avoid some awkwardness.
