in general, rewards are for risk takers

going back home is a very risky business,

for people over 35, it means you are not that competititive in China, not that aggressive, not that dare-devil and go-for-break,

your loss could be high, your potential gain is uncertain, your other burdens almost impossive to overcome,

so, if we are to believe that most people are rational animal, the fact that most elder people decided not to go back was a self-evident statement that choice was made already, loud and clear.

people who went back are mostly young, less established and thus less, if any, to lose. It's easier for them to take a more risky venture and, given that most people who made overseas via scholarships are more adapative in their class, it should not be a surprise to see quite some become very involved and succesful back in China.

let's not waste time debate this or that thing better or worse here or there. If you are to look for something imperfect, do you really need to write an essey for proof?