Car salesmen are grammatically regressive. The confusion of less than/fewer than can be solved by means of measurement: generally, if it can be counted, use fewer. If it is measured more abstractly, as in volume, use less. i.e. Fewer people. Less milk. One exception is time, as in “the opera was less than three hours.” And money, as in “our family and friends discount will save you less than 500 dollars.” Why? Maybe because time and money are social constructs? Also, I remember being accepted into St. Olaf College as a woman, Sue Jan Stevens. Imagine my surprise when they sent me a list of dorms from which to choose.