Sorry to hear that. There are dipsticks running drift boats, jet sled and dipstick bankies, it comes with open resources.
If you watch the sled pull anchor and it is lead or a chain then I agree with you, they are idiots.
The old timmers that respect the Skagit and know it better than anyone all use intertubs filled with sand. These will bounce along the bottom without damaging th gravel and still keep the boat straight while drifting. No noise either. They have tested it and run them in clear water to make sure there is no damage.