Whether you do or don't put out pheasants doesn't matter to me. I don't care. In fact, I tend to agree with you as to your ultimate conclusion.
But to say that "sending youths out to pot inferior birds" is a reason, well that strains your argument well past the breaking point. I don't find alot of stock in any of your "sky is falling" arguments, really. But I do think its G%d Dam&$ed important to get kids out hunting anyway we can. If that means putting out "inferior birds" so they can shoot them, take them home and take a measure of pride in it, then I'm all for that.
PS Hunting wild pheasants is easy. I do it all the time.
