kimbersig, agree with most of your comments. I too apply in every western state for virtually every species and have been doing so for a long time. As far as rating the best draw systems, I rank Idaho and NM at the top. Both are random draw states with no point systems. I will give Idaho the distinct edge though.
The reason I say that is because Idaho limits you to applying either for Elk & Deer & Pronghorn, or to choose one OIL species (Moose, Sheep, Goat). And you only get one hunt choice that counts, not three or four or five. This allows those who really want one of the OIL species to have a very good chance to draw. Typically the random draw odds for those species for residents can range from 1:3 to 1:20 for the moderate-demand hunts, with the extreme demand hunts having tougher odds. Those are by far the best resident draw odds of any western state for those species. Their system allows those who are willing to accept a lesser demand unit to have a much better chance to draw, since many people will only apply for the best units, as they only get to choose one hunt code per species.
These kind of odds are only a pipe dream in the NM system, where most people will never draw a sheep tag or a high-demand elk tag in their lifetimes. This is partly because everyone is free to apply for every species every year, at virtually no cost. And they get to choose multiple hunt codes for every species. When it comes down to it, that feature of the system really has no tangible benefits as compared to the ID system. But it does tend to trick people into thinking they're getting a better chance to hunt "something" yearly. Unfortunately, this is completely false, since the total number of hunting tags issued is going to be exactly the same regardless of the particulars of the draw. There's only so many tags available, for the same number of people applying. It's mainly a mind game being played on the masses in NM, with the bonus of no cost pressure for participating. And it seems to be working, based on the reports of ever-increasing apps. Which means there's no motivation for NMDGF to change a thing.
I'll still take NM's system over any other state with bonus point systems or preference systems. Those other states systems are a near-total wreck. But the NM system could still be improved, and at the same time, draw in more revenue for the G&F dept.