Moonlit there is nothing "wrong" with it. That would imply a moral or ethical implication. What you are describing as being called "wrong" is neither.
Chris I concur in your statement "They use what worked and what they could make themselves or acquire inexpensively".
On that note if a rubber worm would have caught more fish they would have used it.
Don't forget It is just fising... We are not joining a cult now are we?
By the way Dr. Hanneman sounds like a very level headed fellow.