Actually, a mandatory celibate priesthood was imposed on the Church and was accepted reluctantly.  That's evident from any review of the history of the topic.  
Then, it became used as a mark of proof of the "holiness" and close proximity to God of the Catholic Church, as opposed to Protestants.   (This, of course, from the Catholic perspective.  :-)  )  
The rule of celibacy has been questioned now for some time; this is not an invention of gen X or millenials.  The exodus from the Church also started a while ago.  It's a bit strange to me that only now it is becoming noticed, but, whatever......
I do agree fully with your last sentence  :-)