Well it sounds like every single person on this thread is equally helpful in their own way. I have given several good bass away for food but those fish weren't going to make it if I threw them back. I'll tell ya why some us tourney fishermen don't wan't to see anyone eating a black bass: Countless times before and many after, the effort that goes into preparation of a major tx only to end with less than you started with. It seems so hard to put a keeper in the boat sometimes that they get about the same popularity of gold. But in all actuality, and especially with increasing awareness, eating bass isn't hurting anyone one bit. It does feel good to tell someone where to go and it actually gets them fish in the boat, but sometimes the competitive edge gets the best of us and we will guard our knowledge until the damage is done. Take for instance KVD, notice when he shows you his cb, he only lets you see one side of it. Didn't want you to know that he removes one of the eyes!
Happy Fishing!