My .02, which is perhaps only really worth .01....
Like so many other things in life, the few ruin it for the many (or in this case, have the many ruined it for the few? :confused:) .
I've lived in many apartments over the years, and it comes down to mutual respect. I don't bang on the walls because I don't want my neighbor to do it. That way we can both enjoy a higher quality of life. Unfortunately, there's always that drunk neighbor that turns the music up at 3am and knocks the dresser over.
Some people just don't understand how to be respectful, and as such, have ruined it for those who can.
Living right on the edge of Tahoe Nat'l Forest, there are plenty of places to visit where I won't see people, and the land is relatively untouched. And then there are areas where people have used and abused.
I guess to me, the question becomes how effective enforcement is. One example that comes to mind is the Kalalau Trail in Kauai. The permit process is respected by those that are most likely to respect the land. All of the squatters that go in and disrespect the land also abuse/ignore the regulations. Due to the remote nature, many are able to get away it for a long time. It's taken its toll on the area, and unfortunately has made the process more complicated than it feels like it should be to someone like me, who follows the regs. And despite the rules and attempts at enforcement, there are still people that 'sneak' in and overstay their welcome, to the detriment of the wilderness. So how effective, then, are the regulations imposed? It's seemingly the wilderness equivalent of preaching to the choir.
Another prime and local example would be the WAG bag situation, but I prefer not to go down that road.
For many, myself certainly included, the whole thing is really just sad. Sad that I have to jump through all the hoops. Sad that others cannot respect nature or each other properly. It just feels wrong to be in the "wilderness" when there are so many rules, regulations and steps just to get there!
