Graham,
I'm afraid that for the most part angling in this country is far to cheap.
Syndicates have been around since the 1950s as have Closed Shop Clubs, with their'' Black Ball '' system.
Small farmers in this country are really struggling to survive, and if can maximise a return on fishing rights, why should they not do that ?
Unfortunatly river fishermen are not use to paying top rates for the oppertunity of fishing Top Venues.
But its here to stay, and about time they got into the REAL WORLD.

Bob