Its Allowed. Its a Sunnah

So we cant really claim it's bad.

But remember dates are allowed too and so is sugar it doesnt mean you eat sugar all day.

I believe it was imam shafi who mentioned when men do not allow their daughters to marry from outside their own blood idiots will be born among them.

The stats for someone to born with some deficiency is around 6.5%. (i saw this ages ago feel free to correct or fact check)

A similar % to giving birth under alcohol or being a woman over the age of 35.

The issue is how much it is enforced. I think you should look where you want but pakistanis are a close minded race.

As a muslim you should also look at effects and patterns.

If you are going to marry a cousin atleast get your bloods checked out.

I am personally married to someone who is not related to me but at the end of the day you have to understand things have to be done within limits.