I would argue the locals having "hiker feeds" and handing out free beer are a cause of some of the problems. It seems hospitable, but it leads to bunching. When

I would argue the locals having "hiker feeds" and handing out free beer are a cause of some of the problems. It seems hospitable, but it leads to bunching. When you have one hiker feed a year in a spot, you will attract everyone there at once. And they aren't coming for the love of the trail and to meet fellow hikers, but for the free food.