I thought you said that Eric's opinions didn't matter to you. Apparently they do some, seeing how you have allowed his opinions to upset you.
I believe that the majority of the people here could care less what you do with your funds and whether you feel the need to buy or not buy a trout stamp, as long as you are within the law, that is your business.
In my opinion, it is 7 bucks well spent. I don't balk one bit every year forking over the cash. It is a very small price to pay for the privilege it allows, whether you utilize it or not. There have been many years that I did not utilize the legal end of possessing a trout stamp, but I still had it just in case.
My two pennies to all of us.........grow some thicker skin, bitch less and fish more!