All the events you described have happened to me here in Fort Collins, CO.
The vegetation and some of the wildlife is different, but the rest of the
scenario is the same. Our endurance ride committee, NCER, has donated some
of it's profits to a state political action group to preserve trails. We
would not have made a profit on any of our rides had it not been for the
gifts we recieved from sponsors. So, yes, it's being done on a small
scale. It would be great if it could be done on a large scale.
I don't think anyone want's to decline sponsor $. We just want it to go
toward good things like trails, research, etc., not toward big prizes for
riders. If you got the impression that we are advocating declining sponsor
$, please reread the posts in the archives. I think you will find we've
stated just what you advocate.
Good luck in your battle to find riding space. I know it is frustrating
and takes a lot of work. I've been at it for about 15 years.
Linda Van Ceylon
lvanceylon@vines.colostate.edu