“They already do something like what is being proposed for the rafting permits through the Grand Canyon.”
Yeah, I had to wait almost 9 years to get a permit to raft the GC. It was worth the wait. 21 days, greatest white water. The commercial trips of 7 days are good, but rowing your own boat is a once in a life time experience.
I was lucky enough to be included in a party which got a permit in its first lottery. Twenty day trip last December, and, as you say, once in a lifetime!
No commercial trip for me.