In TX we have MANY lakes that are under very specific and differing
limitations. In ANY (other than strictly catch and release only) of these
lakes the 10 lb'er in the question would typically be LEGAL to keep for
whatever reason the fisherman wanted. Other than FL and CA there is
no competition to TX for big bass fishing.
You left out Mexico. Its a product of the location/strain of bass. I know for a fact I have no chance of breaking the world or even state record largemouth bass here in Indiana however I release every large fish I catch. Why? Not so I can catch them when they are 1-2lbs bigger... so that somebody I bring with me that might be fishing for the first time has a chance at a bass of a lifetime. That is what I feel fishing is all about. If you feel that its no big deal to catch and eat large bass then it doesn't bother me 1 bit because thankfully you don't fish in my lakes But I for one will always push for catch and release because god forbid I ever have children I want them to have the same great experiences that I had.