The saturday releases provide an opportunity for many paddlers that would not normally be able to paddle the river  to do so.  Being a local you obviously know that there are ample opportunities throughout the year to paddle the river at higher levels.  Usually in the summer at levels above 2.2 the river is only paddled by a few paddlers.  Most summer time paddlers run to other rivers during high water. Friendsville needs all the economy stimulation it can get. Spend your money in friendsville!
The race day fiasco was not a result of the new permit.  It was a mechanical problem with  the dam.  So to blame the AW is unwarranted.  And I know!  This is being written by the winner of the first three mass start races. So there!