Interesting thread, one item that is missing is the cost of stocking large waters with fish ? As the cost rise, so the profits fall. Owners of the waters will not run at a loss. The competition scene has funded these large waters for years, plus the accommodation sector, but Covid has shown the cracks. If more people can use a facility then costs are spread out !!!! Unfortunately Covid has also increased outdoor activities, not all fishing related ! The danger now is that water owners could find "other" activities cheaper to operate and the high cost of stocking "NOT" worth the returns.
As Covid declines I can only hope that the "New" outdoor activity seekers go home and leave anglers in peace, but I can see a change coming and not for the better.
Anglers need to be more tolerant of other water users on large bodies of water. The competition scene needs to return, that is what pays for "pleasure" anglers. Unfortunately here again I can see a change coming, it is a high cost for regulars and the "Corvid" break could see individuals re thinking their leisure time !
I did this many years ago and moved to small stream fishing & syndicate still waters. This was all down to costs, it was when my regular boat partner (who did fish more competitions than me) decided to finish with the team, as that year (2012) he had spent £10k on his fishing and could no longer afford his team position. I know of others that have doubled that cost !
I still have the odd day on a large water, but as a "pleasure" fly angler only.
Sorry for the negative post.