Should not? Distinct difference? Drastically? Surely?
Why? Give me one solid good reason why there is a difference between a 22yo or a 40yo? Still think the same if the girl was let's say ohhh I dunno 20 and make the guys 26 and 50? Suppose you think there's a difference between a 18yo guy and a 40yo woman compared to the other way around too?
A 22 year old may be a "late bloomer" and a non-traditional student and, while rare, some 16 year olds take courses at community college and graduate high school at 17 years. In those cases there could be natural interaction that facilitate relationship.
An older person, 30+ years old, that engages in a relationship with a 16 year old (or younger) has significant maturational and developmental advantage and can very easily "groom" the teen. That is why these relationships are frowned upon and that is why these relationships almost never work. They are unhealthy for the teen and, frankly, the adult.
The rules/laws go both ways, it's just more common for men to go after women (young and old) and society has fostered a culture where men as predators and women, even when they're the actual predators, have mental health issues or going through a divorce, etc. Women get a pass and it's not okay, but that doesn't make it okay for men either.
Children should learn with/from other children. There will be occasions when adults help those education, but that should be as limited as possible. That's also why there is an entire legal industry of "sugar babies". Young, 18 year old women find rich older men to finance their bills, schooling, housing, etc., and provide sexual exchanges...it almost doesn't happen - at all - the other way around.
And if you personally are into teenagers that's fine. There are more than enough underdeveloped 18 year olds to satisfy that niche
As for Sophie's troubles...its incest. Am unaware of laws surrounding it. She likely wouldn't get in much trouble as her children are near adulthood, 16 or 17 if not already 18, and they would very clearly deny grooming practices, etc., as in this AVN the teens are the ones pushing the boundaries