I've got no problem going barbless. In fact if you guys catch as many fish as you say you do then barbless will be good since it makes taking the hook out that much easier. The only thing I don't like about this rule is having to go through my box and cut all the barbs.
As for catching salmon when Halibut fishing I've done it as well. 15lb silver in 200 ft of water (yes I got it off the bottom) on a 24 ounce steel jig.