I read this thread when it was only a couple of pages long, and then today I was shocked to find it was fifty two... I read it all through, even the distasteful bits, and I am very glad to see that whole thing was resolved amicably and that positive changes will be the end result.
I've never dived in US waters as all of my ocean dives have been in BC but I was previously planning a trip to Washington or Oregon and now I think my choice has been made. People don't always realise that others are willing to travel long distances and contribute to the local economies along the way via fuel, food, lodging, etc. just to get the chance to see something like the GPO (wolf eels are another of my favourite) so protecting them in designated areas is a win for everyone.
You folks on the coast don't realise how lucky you are. For us on the prairies diving in anything other than a murky lake involves long distance travel and once we arrive we may not actually get to see species x even with several days of hard diving before heading back home. What you have in your backyards is precious and should not be taken for granted.