Yep, the times are changing. It is a big responsibility to drive, and IMO a number of kids today just don't have that responsiblity (look any crash statistics for this age group). I couldn't wait to get my license, and when I was 16 I thought graduated drivers laws were stupid; but once past that time of life, I've come to believe that it makes sense.
My only fear is pushing the age back too far. What happens when kids go off to college where the booze is even easier to get, and there is even less parental (or at least older) advice? Plus, I have to wonder if necessary skills will get honed enough w/o a seasoned driver around. But it will probably still be safer still than handing out licenses to 16 year olds.