What really gets to me is that so many people in this hobby have no interest in getting out and seeing these animals (that they claim to have such an interest in) in their natural environment. They would much prefer to keep them in a melamine box in their house, yet have no idea what their natural environment looks like or how they behave in the wild. They only know what they have seen in a shop or read on an internet forum. I believe if you really have a genuine interest in our native reptiles then the ultimate feeling is to get out and appreciate them for yourself, in the wild. Not herping at a pet shop.
This is something I have ALWAYS been interested in. I don't know much about snakes, but even before I kept them I ALWAYS would hope to spot one when walking. I have no idea where to look, and seeing them hasn't happened often for me. Same with sharks, though. There would be nothing more thrilling to me than seeing great whites in the wild on a boat in SA, it would out do seaworlds shark bay by a long shot.
I'd also love to go to various places around the world to observe wild animals. In fact, I was selected to go to Costa Rica, Africa, Cambodia or NZ as part of a wild life study for uni. I couldn't afford it this year, but I can reserve a spot for 2012 and it's a toss up between Costa Rica (relocating leatherback turtles) or Africa.
Regarding the natural environments, when I am more knowledgable and my snakes are a reasonable size, I have plans for a self sustaining terrarium. I think natural environments are amazing and if they can be replicated, I think it would be really satisfying.
Despite all this, I still don't see the problem with people cross breeding for amazing colours. If they aren't released and bred with wild animals, then why does it matter?
I still think if you don't like people doing this, then you should also be having a dig at people who are successfully producing albino's and amazingly coloured Jungles, because it's selective breeding, regardless.