boombox, I'd be interested in knowing how you define both "rape" and "consent."
Even if there weren't enormous potential for psychological damage, the question of consent is enough for me to deem sex with children a Very Bad Idea. And while there might be some children in the world who have the maturity & emotional savvy to give actual consent, I find it a hard idea to swallow. Maybe if I were to meet one.
There is, however, a way in which I understand such a desire. For as long as I can remember, I've found certain boys of about 12 very sexually attractive. Now, at 35, I still have occasions [though rare] where I'll see a 12-year old boy who has the 'right' qualities, and I'll feel a rush of sexual desire. It's just recently [past few years] that I'm not creeped out by this, but I no longer question whether or not I'd act on such a feeling. The issue was not as clear to me when I thought there were circumstances wherein I might act on it.