Your definitely right there...Every state is different, and even areas with in a state that gets more pressure will be different as well...it all depends on how educated the deer are in your area....Although, you can take deer from lower than 16 ft, I've done it, the general rule of thumb is 16ft above...I've been up above 20ft. and had a buck spot me when he was right under me....I wasn't moving at all what-so-ever...If deer are educated to hunters in stands, and they havebusted hunters before, they are much harder to hunt...but I definitely agree with your statement..I've had my best luck and started seeing more bucks when I was in the 30ft. range..it'sa little hard to get use to at first, but it definitely pays off...