I think a better understanding of botany, conservation, and hobby
growing can be obtained by looking at how each activity is
different, and not by focussing on the points of similarity, or on
the people who are participating in multiple activities.
If we look at how each activity is different I think we will find that
all three have different goals and directions. The differences between
the three don't mean that one is "better" for a specific person. But
each activity is "best" for reaching its specific goal. There will again
be some overlap.
Unfortunately, a direct discussion of how botany, conservation, and hobby
collecting differ looks touchy on an open-forum discussion list. There
are sensitive spots. But I think this is more like a mine field than
a war of opposing viewpoints.
I think this thread is winding down. I hope people go away not thinking
there are irrevocable conflicts between botany, conservation, and hobby
growing. I hope people can work on developing their understanding
of how each is different as an activity, regardless of which activities
they choose to partake in.
All IMHO, of course.
Michael Chamberland