My experience with editors and ADs in the broader hook and bullit market thus far is exactly as Zach describes it. So its not just fly fishing.
Its not to say they aren’t good people and don’t offer feedback, they do. But like most of us in the real world they have jobs, and the ADs first responsibility is meet deadlines. They don’t have much time for people, even established contributors.
I don’t think people fully realise the extent of the good fortune they have here and Phils progressiveness to capitalise on the resource. If I had the access and opportunity to do more fly fishing stuff…man.
Maybe in time others will get wind and follow, the net and groups like this and what Phil launched on flickr is a remarkably good tool for it, resolving many problems. It creates its own in some ways but still.