FWIW, I posted the article because it was interesting. It got more reaction than I might have anticipated.

My $0.02 worth: My son was in Cub Scouts but bailed out before hitting the Boy Scouts because he wanted to be outdoors all the time and our local troop was not so inclined. We ended up hitting the trails and having many great adventures together -- and still do on occasion (he's 21 and not as available as he once was). In our many outings, we ran into scouts on many occasions. Our impressions were generally positive. We did tend to think that the average troop was over-prepared (huge packs, etc.). But, it you are going to err, better too much than not enough!

As for DUG et al. -- you are doing a great thing!

That said, there is obviously room for criticism in some cases. One should be careful of judging by newspaper articles, but it seems clear enough that the Yosemite incident in the article I posted should never have happened.