I agree users of metal detectors should be encouraged to act in a responsible manner, and not be persecuted, but with that said let me ask this. Has any one ever seen a metal detector used at a European historic site by an amatuer? They might, but I didn't in the two years I lived in Germany. Where I see the problem is in Americans seeing any activity they enjoy as a right, off limits to regulation. This is not an easy issue, and there are those who will never act in a responsible manner. On the bright side, others with a little education and understanding can become some of our strongest allies.