Francis:
I think the only possible downside may be if the offer is early, which could bring some uncertainty. Outside of one HA D3, and a D1 offer which was in the same neighborhood of his HS, RipkenFanSon's offers were during the traditional "summer before senior year."
After his "big tent" list of 25+ narrowed to closer to 5-7, he was ready to get the process over, though it was not on his time frame. The schools hold the cards, and may be awaiting other candidates' decisions. Two dream schools from the conference he sought, a top 25 program, and a couple other schools from another HA conference that were still a possibility. After the top 25 program offered at an unofficial visit, one of his two dream schools (knowing about the visit & offer) offered later that same day. Son probably decided right away, but notified both schools about his decision (to attend one of the two "dream" schools) 2 days later.
To your question Francis, I think had he got the offer earlier (and it was the first) he would have accepted. It was a dream school all around, and one in which he attended games. And with its small recruiting classes, he thought he would be given an opportunity for playing time. That coupled with the academics piece made the decision easy.
Every person's journey is different. Some journey's paths have more twists and turn than others. For a few, the path is short and straight.