06Catcherdad,
I pretty much agree with you. I think TPM is right that there are pitfalls to committing early. But I also think that lots of kids are capable of simply starting the process sooner and getting to the decision point sooner as a result.
I would not suggest someone should commit early just to brag about how early they were. That's indulging immaturity.
But if you've done your homework, you know this is where you want to be, and the offer is right, I say, go for it! On top of everything else, if the school is ready to move, you might want to get yourself ready also. Opportunity, as they say, doesn't always knock twice. The school may move on to others if you take too long, because they don't want to end up missing the boat on others only to find out you may choose somewhere else in the end.