Hey Phil,
It was an awesome meet, 50/50 with experienced hobbiests and new comers. I made sure that all of my frogs and materials were out in a way to make sure that no newb could look and say "See, he does it, why can't I?". I 100% agree with you about these forums being the first real step and first genuine place for people to find information on these frogs and many, if not most people begin with an idea in their heads and look for anybody who can give them support regardless of how bad the advice may be. I did it when I started. Fishing for someone who had experience to give the ok on my mixed species viv. Luckily I have very respected, experienced keepers near me that I can now call friends and they kept me in the right direction.
The reason some of the advanced keepers don't air all of their practices is simple. Monkey see, monkey do. Once you have had the experience working countless hours/days/years with these frogs than you will have a strong enough idea of what you are doing. Even then, the best practice is to not flaunt it or advertise specifically for the reason of what it can and will do to the beginners in the hobby.
Just simply answering a mixed thread question with something along the lines of "well, it could be done if" or "if it's done correctly" gives the wrong impression to anybody getting started and should be avoided at all costs. Eventually they will know how to properly care for their animals and will do as they see fit without having to ask for the public's stamp of approval.
Rich, it's pretty obvious that you will never get a straight answer to your question. There is no answer other than NO! There will never be a way to show that keeping frogs in less than ideal conditions that mimic their natural environment is in anyway beneficial to the frogs. Usually, for those who think it is beneficial to the people who are looking at them, it is short lived and you end up staring at sickly, skinny stressed out frogs that often times spend their time in hiding up until their ultimate downward spiral to death. For the most part, there are no benefits for anything or anybody involved, period.
I typically stay out of these conversations only because arguing, bickering and hiding behind a keyboard on the internet is IMO worthless wasted time. Occasionally I spout off, usually at 1 in the morning when I'm on a good buzz, and only when I hope to get a point across to an OP.
Also, I know this thread is a bit old. I have a suspicion that Kermit is pretty well informed by now and on the right track
