I don't think it's the permit system. It's the pervasive influence of social media.
I've snagged a hard-to-get permit and have chosen not to go because of conditions. I know I can try again next year, and the next and the next. The mountain/canyon/river will always be there. Last year, I didn't use permits that I had been waiting for because of conditions. Then I had to get surgery, not allowing me to try again this year. So I will try next year.
We always have decision making power, permit system or not. It's the social media pressure to keep posting an keep doing and keep up that makes people do dumb things.
