Where I live, there are almost no dam-released runs. In fact, and except for the North Fork Payette, I suspect I haven't paddled on a dam-release run in at least five years (Idaho and western Montana, with trips to BC and Washington).

Of course, when dams already exist, there is no problem with admitting they help with consistent paddling. But, in many cases, they do not, or they drown the good section. I am just extremely wary when I see boaters defending dams because they are good for whitewater, when so many of them are not.