I like easy fishing as much as the next guy, but I'm not one for privatization of our wilderness. All shore should be public land, and if anything maybe some more bears and mountain lions could be released in said areas, trails made steeper, muddier and slippery so only the truly dedicated would go out..
But seems to me cuts in government support for recreational fishing etc comes in hand with cuts to support for cultural/artistic programs, people want lower taxes and call for smaller governments but the expect the same service. Good luck with that.
I wouldn't mind paying more, a lot more, for my license etc as long as I know with certainty that will get value for that money, but I suppose that is the main problem.
Ultimately, fishing is good bang for buck as far as hobbies go. Beauty of it is you can make it as expensive as you want. Catch the same fish with a $50 combo, but I'm likely going to end up with a $600 combo, still cheaper than being into BMWs or something
Along with others, gas is my most expensive fishing related cost. Makes rods and reels pale in comparison, and I drove a Corolla. Can't imagine what it costs the guys with trucks. In gear, probably about $2-2500 in 3 years. I have noticed that i enjoy my equipment a lot more once I stop babying it, and it's a lot easier with gear that isn't super expensive. Though a "perfect" rod (for you) is worth the money..and i can see the allure of collecting centerpins/reels beyond their utility.