stunted and rare are definatly both words i wouldn't use to describe the crappie fishing there, i'm not sure where you have focused your efforts there but everytime i hit the open water there i manage 40-50 crappie at least. yes there are alot of steady 8-9" crappie but i'm not complaining, great table fair, and i've personally pulled out some very nice slabs.
20 bucks a line yes i will agree was steep. maybe giving a discount for the second line like getting two for 30 wouldn't have been as bad but i was willing to pay that money and support a local fishery.
here's a few from binbrook