Well I certainly have an opinion on this subject. First of all the what is a pro debate. I am a Golf Professional in central NY. There are a lot of great ideas and answers so far, here' s my opinion. I think most of becoming a pro at your particular field is based on knowledge and education. To me that' s where it really seperates the amatuers from the pros. In my profession for example. There are thousands of amatuer golfers that have the same or better ability than me. They don' t know what a cutworm or chinch bug will do to a bentgrass putting green though. Or do they know how to grow the sport. Or do they know how to host a tournament or fundraiser. Or do they know about Pro Shop margins. Or do they know public relations etc............. My point is this. " pro" is a loose term. Unless it is backed by a structured and rigid education program which is set forth by past commitees that sets the guidelines and deems you as a professional in they eyes of the community. Again in my profession, it took 3 years of an education process in the PGA of America to become certified to be a professional.
Certainly the athletic or ability side of it matters greatly as well. Sorry for sticking on the golf subject here (being this a bowhunting forum), but it' s the best way I can relate to the subject. After completing my education and earning credits by working in a Pro Shop under a class A pro, I then had to prove my abilities before getting my pro status. I had to pass a players ability test for the final stage, which luckily you only have to do once (which i disagree with) and i was young and full of piss and vinegar and did it with ease.
So I guess Education and Ability in the chosen field set forth by a commitee that makes the guidelines for the course you must take to become a pro are my criteria.
Anyone else I suppose could be called " really good" in that field or " experts" . But to lump them in with people that have gone through grueling education and qualifications, is probably not fair. However it is just a title!!
And it is NOT about money!!! It' s about having passion and promoting the sport you love. And most importantly the kids, they are our future and will be continuing our traditions when we' re all old farts. Like Arnold Palmer says : " all you need to be called a golf instructor is have someone that will give you money to listen to what you have to say about the golf swing."
After typing all this I finally get back to bowhunting. Is there a program of such a nature in archery?? Something you go through to become a " pro" ?