Lipripper,
Yes, I agree that the magazine editors have a huge role to play in this kiss and tell that we see masquerading as good, informative writing. I suspect that they do this because they think they must or they will lose readership and go out of print (er, business) There are a lot a mags on fly fishing these days. Some are not too bad, but they are not in the same league as the old Fly Fisherman of 25 or more years ago.
It has become a go here, fish with these flies, get this or that guide, at this time of year, and catch all these fish. Heck, even a newcomer to the sport can do this. All it takes is spending a little money for the right guide, the right flies, and the right rod and line. Of course, the flies and assorted other equipment needs to be purchased at "Chuck's Fly Fishing Emporium" because the owner lives right in the middle of the action and knows what works when. Besides, he is a "nice guy" who "just wants to share his bounty".
Once upon a time, the mags forcussed on the techniques or fly fishing and tying, the why it should be done this way, the insects being imitated for trout fishing, the fish itself, the resource, the comeraderie of fellow fishers, the history of the sport, and the ethics of fishing. I don't think it is too late to have this again. But this I know, if we who care about such things as a quality experience astream sit back and say nothing to the magazine editors, and the newbiew we meet astream, we are also to blame for what occurs.