"Have to" equals "need," but "need" doesn't equal "want." If a person hasn't figured that out by Maine, they're even more confused than I am.
WHL is a fine camp that welcomes hikers. As far as I'm aware, no charges of kidnapping have ever been filed against the proprietors.
And suspicions about "mid season" price raising might be allayed if one investigated publishing deadlines before deciding to post here -- it's not the guidebooks that are misinformed.
As for WHL -- good burgers, nice people, enjoyed the boat ride.