You're right about the "instagram moment" folks. Can't stand that shallow nonsense, it's why I don't have an account as I prefer reading the more in depth and knowledgeable content which has a lot of effort put in to it and done with respect to the place that's been visited.
They seem to just show off that they travel but don't really put value or find meaning from it.
I fully agree with you - these guys are not travellers, they are tourists and there's a difference. I think I might have read this from a post by who made the comment about travelers respecting the place they go to and understanding where they are going whereas tourists don't. I prefer traveling with travelers, not tourists :)
And you're right, it is their loss as they miss out on the true meaning of what it's like to live or have lived in the places we take the time and appreciation to visit.
I think the more measures are put in place to protect the land, particularly if it's good for the local communities and the overall country, the better. It probably was a culture shock when the government got involved and imposed a stricter approach to it but you're right, for the long run, it's much better!
RE: El Nido, Palawan: Paradise Soon Gone?