a 29 year old

When Machon Shlomo was started in 1982, the only hashkafa class was given by a 29 year old baal teshuvah who was 6 years out of a Christian college.

Yet, 

The age of 40 contains unique significance in both Halachic literature and Chazal, as we will list below.

1.   Ben Arbaim Lebina-Age of Binah-Understanding: At the age of 40 one reaches the age of understanding.[1] This means that he is now able to understand the depth of teachings of Torah, and to novelize many new laws and interpretations of verses.[2] This is because at this age a person reaches mental and intellectual maturity.[3]

2.   Morei Horah according to all opinions:[4] The Talmud[5] states that at age 40 one reaches the age of Horah, in which he can Pasken. Now, it is debated amongst the Rishonim and Poskim as to the intent of this Talmudic statement. Some Poskim[6] understand it to mean that one may not Pasken until age 40. Other Poskim[7] understand it as discussing one who is able to Pasken but refuses to do so, that until age 40 he may avoid Paskening, although may Pasken if he so chooses, and past age 40 he may not refuse to Pasken. Practically, the Sephardim[8] all rule like the latter approach, and hence there is no issue for a qualified Sephardi Posek to Pasken even prior to age 40. However, the Ashkenazim[9] took the former approach and ruled that one should not Pasken until age 40. Nonetheless, even according to this approach there are various leniencies suggested, and practically the widespread custom of even Ashkenazim is to permit Paskening prior to age 40 despite the ruling of the Rama.[10] Nonetheless, some community guidelines require that an elected Rav be at least 40 years old to be eligible, in light of the above original Talmudic statement and ruling of Rama.

More amazing the theme of Machon Shlomo was to put students in their place. You don't know anything, we were told over and over. We weren't taught halacha more than a drop of basic stuff. We saw only the intro to mesillas  yisharim because "you aren't ready" for more. 

So how was this 29 year old BT ready to be the machshava man at a BT yeshiva? Why was he one of two people we were allowed to speak to, along with the ignorant baal habayis businessman who was in charge of the place?