The Cave Research Foundation is a bit elitist.
They do good work but think that only they can do good work and they work well with the Park Service in excluding others from contributing to exploration and study of public caves.
Note that no specific reason for the cave's importance is given to we the American public. It is they who will decide what is best for the cave and themselves.
"The Cave Research Foundation is a bit elitist."
That's probably true, but if you are a serious caver, the CRF is open to join. You'd have to prove yourself and be trusted over a period of time, but it's possible to gain access to these special caves.