This comes up all the time and I have, let's say, reservations. I think many underestimate the hatred fans of other clubs have for us.
A Rangers player on loan at a Scottish club is up against it - from all sides. Results start to go the wrong way - it's the Rangers loanee whos going to get it in the neck from fans. Manager under pressure - it's the Rangers loanee he's going to drop to appease the fans. Imagine Ross McCrorie at Hearts making a 50/50 challenge - the media and other fans all over it demanding the CO takes action.
Some might say that helps a young lad prepare for life at Rangers. For sure, they will face those pressures at Rangers. However, a young lad going on loan is doing it to 'make his mistakes' and learn from them. He's going there to gain the confidence that playing regularly comes from. They can 'learn' about the pressure when they come back. I think Gerrard has it right in sending them to League 1 and League 2 down South where they can mature as a person away from the comforts of home, where they can play without the glare of the Scottish media and all that it brings.
That said, the forgoing is all related to younger players going on loan. If, as some have suggested, it could be Lafferty and/or Dorrans that is a different prospect entirely. We would not be seeking to develop those guys - just get them out the door.