I think there is a fine line. When I was 13 and just getting started fishing, I knew all the tackle shop owners to be "crusty"(except for Roy) and they made it seem like for a newbie like myself it was an honor and a privilege to be in their shop( again, Roy was real good to my father and I). They weren't exactly helpful and I just figured that to be part of the deal, part of the culture, and it wasn't an issue.
I think if you are out there and a kid is struggling or is clearly new at this sport, you should make a POINT to go out of your way to help. It is mutually beneficial to both anglers if you really think about it. And me still being below the 30 year mark, i wish I had more people my age to fish with. I think if some of my friends had caught early on, they might've been more receptive to pursuing the sport further. Maybe I should've been a better friend!
If a grown man is out there displaying sheer ignorance, has not done any research on the limit/size/regs (he had to go to a tackle shop at some point, right?), maybe under the influence...well, that person is on their own UNLESS they show a TRUE passion for the sport/environment.