I don't think that joining forces with other countryside people will make Joe Public see us any differently. We won't all of a sudden become blood-letters in the public's eyes, although I dare say the link, at least in that respect, will not go in our favour.
It all comes down to the question of if holding hands with the followers of other country sports will be the saviour or the death of fishing.
And that's my problem at the moment, I don't know the answer to that one and I'm still listening to the arguments.
But what I don't want to hear is any bunny-hugging points. I want to hear opinion that will convince me, or not, that joining the Countryside Alliance will keep fishing safe.
I already know how myself and most people feel about fox hunting but continuing to tell me that isn't furthering the debate.
I have the same reservations as you, and I drift from one side of the argument to the other, but right now I think numbers and power will win the day.
On our own we don't have the numbers and as perceived limp sarnie eaters we certainly don't have the power.