>
> >>> Hmm, way back in the 70s wasn't there some sort of debate about this
> that went, essentially, "Its all archaeology, and we shouldn't arbitrarily
> separate historic from prehistoric"? That Binford guy maybe?
> Carl
>

Perhaps, but why would anyone be paying attention to Binford?

Seriously, though, point taken.  But in a real world context, we cannot be
experts in all things, and in Massachusetts, at least, someone with my
training and skill sets would not be able to get a permit to excavate a
prehistoric site because I lack the necessary experience and expertise (and
hence don't meet the Sec of Interior guidelines mirrored in state law).