Being concerned that your daughter will "marry well" is a whole lot different than "ceding responsibility". Proves my point about language.
So if we are wishing our children to marry well, then I would suggest parents would want that equally for both their sons and daughters. In that regard, I found the statement incorrect and ludicrous because it gave preference to one child over another.
And my point is that old style mores and traditions are nothing to get up in arms about and start calling people out. So you think a father doesn't have concern over wether a young man can take care of his daughter? There are more ways than one to view this and that has been my point. You took it mean the lowest form and I'm saying that isn't necessarily the intent.
Is it just a tradition.. or does it also have to do with a father hoping his son-in-law can provide? Some of both I'm betting.