You can post all the fishing etiquette threads that you want, and I am all for it, you will not find a more thoughtful fisherman than myself, however if people who already fish do not already treat other fisherman with a certain degree of respect then they never will. Any aspect of life is filled with rude, beligerant people who care only about themselves and the heck with the other people.
Just govern yourself accordingly, teach those you bring along fishing, your children, friends etc. to be thoughtful of others and the environment in which they fish and it is my belief that this is the best you can do. I have always said, "it does'nt matter where you go or what you do, there is always some jack$&* there to ruin everyone's good time". Not to pat myself on the back, but when I go fishing, I police not only my trash but any trash that I am able to carry. As far as other fisherman being newbies or unprepared, I always have time to help someone, a young person, a family who might be struggling to do some fishing with their children, or if I am hooking up and the guy next to me wants to know what I am getting them on, I am more than willing to help that young person along, or that family enjoy some fishing, or even tell some guy what kind of lure to use if he asks. A few times I had a couple of out of state visitors who were not hooking up in a blitz, I took a moment to help them along even going so far as to GIVE them a couple of the metal lures that I had been catching fish with. I am always having a great time when the people fishing around me are enjoying themselves and also catching fish. This is the only way that people learn these things that we are discussing. Education and taking the time to help. I share your frustration often, and I know of what you speak, sometimes we must just be the better person.
Very Good Thread By The Way. I agree with you 100%.