sucks is a strong word, but i see what you're saying.
there used to be alot of guys (#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&, bassmaster, DZ, crafty angler, steve, to name a few) with tons of experience who were willing to take the time to answer questions in detail based on years of experience. When you got answers and opions from those guys, you knew you were getting something worth thinking about. It was great for guys like Luds and I who came along knowing nothing at a time when there was a ton of great information on here. I know that for me, #^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^& and bassmaster, via this website, were as influential and helpful to me as anything. And I actually enjoyed coming here to read their opinions and I liked that fact that they were a bit crazy and entertaining - despite the fact that I'm just a clown
.
i think the issue is that there are fewer of those guys around now, and more guys with alot less experience and know how. They mean well, but when you ask a question and get alot of answers from people who really don't have the experience to be answering the question (I know I've been guilty of this) it muddies the waters and starts to make it so that its not even worth asking.
unfortunately, you can't really go backwards. a site like this probably works better with fewer, more passionate members. as the number of members grows, it kind of gets watered down.
as far as having to be an insider and all that, i really don't see it. i think that most well thought out and presented questions get answered, regardless of who posts them. clicky maybe - but that's life. to expect to just sign up for a website and have people want to meet up with you to fish, chat, hangout, sodomize or whatever is asking alot in my opinion. if you hang out for a while and attend some events, maybe you'll find some people you become friends with.
i still like the site and will continue to visit and try to contribute when I can. it certainly beats the alternatives.