I have an LBO and just bring a pole. It breaks down and only weighs like 14oz so it's worth it to me not to have to find a wood stick, or lose a trekking pole during my hunts if I leave the tent up.
It will only get longer. AFT appears to be going through a ton of mid February submittals right now due to the large dump of EFiles. Won't be surprised to see this get over 200 days easily.
Bows have come a long way in regards to the average shooter being accurate. Not sure we can say the same about the average American being in better shape... I'll say fitness tips the scale.