I feel like there are some lessons to be learned, and some that deserve study from this growing season.   I just also consider that these spray recommendations may largely have been developed from products, pests, applications, and weather that weren't a perfect storm like this current southern rust outbreak.   For instance, it would be extremely hard to discern any pattern spraying for aphids or bean leaf beetles.  

It's possible that a few shysters are out there only caring about daily revenue.  But, I've flown in a helo spraying my own crop, talked to several other ag operators, flown in a B-29, talked to people who fly everything from Piper Cubs to the F-22, talked to Blue Angels, Topgun grads, warbird dudes who fly Corsairs and Mustangs, etc. etc.    I have not yet run across one who fits the arrogant Hollywood mold.  Virtually all aviators are humble, know they sometimes make mistakes, and would prefer to learn rather than cover up whatever problems they encounter.  

Maybe the bigger issue is that these dudes/dudettes are flying for commodity farmers who only ask what the bottom dollar is, not what they can get if they spend one or two more dollars per acre.