I don't like having to buy a license to have to apply, but I think the proposed UT system is better than many others. It is still way cheaper than AZ, NV, or ID for a non-resident. Plus the UT combo license lets you fish. I bought licenses in ID and NV last year and couldn't fish. In NV I couldn't even hunt upland birds unless I bought an additional stamp.
The reduced tag prices will make it cheaper for guys that buy a couple general tags. I probably won't be putting my wife in for moose every year like I have been and I think that is okay. Just $5 up front to apply is so easy that is makes UT draw odds terrible. CO and WY don't require a license purchase, but do require the entire amount up front. WY charges a $16 dollar application fee, and CO charges $25 for a bonus point if you didn't buy a license the year before. UT is still cheaper than lots of other states, but the tide is changing in the western states applciation game. I do have concerns about hunting becoming too expensive for the average guy, but don't think we are there yet.
Instead of dropping $50 on the sportsman draw just save your money for the general draw. Or, go buy a lotto ticket instead, similar odds with a bigger payout.
Dax