RE: ml preferance
I think it's just where we are in this country. Everyone has to have the newest and greatest thing. It doesn't really surprise me that most were inlines. I only have maybe one or two friends that still use sidelocks.-and you should hear the abuse I get for shootin' a roundball...
I think it's the state's job to decide. If you only have inlines you're probably not going to want a flintlock only season. If you use sidelocks most would love a flintlock season (or some version of it) I'll admit, when VA first went to allowing scopes back in the mid-late 90's I was excited. However, now I wish they'd do away with them. Just my $0.02 and by no means do I speak for everyone. The way I solve it is, I created my own standards. ML season I hunt w/sidlocks. During rifle season I use an inline. I like huntin' with both so that's how I solve the problem myself.
I think bottom line will be $ like with everything else unfortunately...