Dutch
I agree with a lot that you say about using the dry and not the bobber thing, BUT, this is the Bow. It is alike to many waters but still very unique. The Bow went from excellent dry fly fishing in the 70's, to good in the 80''s to inconsistent in the present. ( Mclennan books) That said however, this year has been an excellent season for dries. The best in 10 years according to one shop owner. I say this and I am not even a dry purist on the Bow. ( most of my dry fishing is south, crow, liv, oldman,elk, etc.)
Having success does not always mean catching, but, it sure does help with the newbies and oldies. Lets face it, when we take kids out they get HOOKED when you land anything. My little guy also just likes the experience of getting out but, I think you all know what I mean.
The Bow being UNIQUE needs to have a fisherperson who is very addaptive to what is required on that given day. I fish nymphs, steamers and dries. I bet anyone who fishes the Bow a lot would agree that in order to have the most success, teach a newbie to nymph first. ( on this river)
You make a good point about the dry for following water trends and drag, but as mentioned by BC, the indicator will also permit this.