you wouldn't call it selfish wanting to import animals into the country with all the risks associated to the environment? wow..
there's a saying "the road to hell is paved with good intentions" so intention or not, there is well known and discussed risks from multiple vectors, that in it's self screams "selfish" at least to me.
and no, there's nothing with wanting stuff, it's fine to state you'd like to have something, but when you start discussing your cause for your own gain over the known risks, then it start entering a grey area.
and yes we do learn new things all the time, it's those people who argue against all logic that annoys me.
we know there are a myriad of reptile diseases outside our country, we know some of these reptiles would, without ANY doubt cause monumental environmental damage if they escaped ( and they would without doubt, heck, most people on these forums have lost reptiles at least once, and many will yet) the risk is simply far too great (do you want another cane toad issue? rabbits? cats? the list is as long as your arm as it is)
so yes, it's selfish and reckless in any way you put it forth.