I never liked 17 year olds...even when I was 17. The youngest I ever tried to date was 21 when I was 26 and thought, 'MY GOD HE'S SO YOUNG...and HOT!' Didn't work out.
That said, I have some advice for the 'older' men. IF you are going to be with someone in the later teen years (and it must be the later teen years) and IF you are going to 'take his flower' as Monica might say, take Dan Savage's advice and leave 'em better than you found 'em. Be honest. Be caring. Teach him a few things. Never let him think that a relationship could form.
There was a guy I met when I was 17 that, if I were perhaps a little more assertive, I would have loved to have fooled around with. He was VERY cute and very kind (and probably 22-23). I can't help but think he would have been the perfect person to learn about sex with and from.
When I eventually 'lost my flower', I was not in love. He was just a really good friend and we had a great time. No feelings were ever confused, I learned a lot and it was a great experience.
"I'm so looking forward to a time when all the Reagan Democrats are dead."