I consider myself extremely lucky that I grew up in a place where I didn't really need a guide and if fact grew up with guys who went on to be guides.
A couple of observations -

not every guide is world class either

the idea of shooting some average bull after spending $8000 plus on an elk hunt is rediculous

a guide service that goes out, purchases land owner vouchers, has a large herd of resident elk that have no interest in leaving that private property doesn't have to be much of a guide

theres no way in hell I'd be a guide, strangers with rifles who can't shoot have no place hunting anywhere around me