Boater - I'll step up to the plate and take a couple of hacks. You ask which situation is better. Better, of course, requires a subjective judgement - ask 100 anglers, get 115 opinions

For the resource: Virtually no difference, you are left with one dead wild steelhead either way.

For the economy: It probably took Spakey at least 10 trips to catch his 20 fish, my expectation is that there were economic benefits of his 10 trips to the local area rather than your one trip.

For angling opportunity: My guess is that WSR offers more opportunity for anglers. It has been my experience (remember this is subjective) that not all steelhead are good biters. I would guess that the 19 surviving wild steelhead would provide some angling pleasure to other folks as well.

For ethics: (Again, remember this is very subjective, and one man's opinion) My belief is that it is morally superior to release a fish that I really do not need to eat than to bonk it. Changes in societal ethics happen slowly, as subsequent generations live under WSR I feel that the angling community will adapt to the new rules and provide a more vibrant sport for most.

Boater - I may think of more as the coffee kicks in, but hopefully this answers your question.