Agreed. I thought the last Hots issue of reptiles was extremely careful about this aspect of herp keeping though (at least the one 3 years ago was, I don't have this year's issue), and emphasized contact with experienced hot keepers for a long period of time before purchasing one. Perhaps what they meant was that they are good beginner snakes *for hot keepers*....not for herp keepers in general. I adore the looks of some hots, but I have scant experience with them, and refuse to get one until I've had at least a year under an experienced hot keeper's wing.
Also, a reputable hot dealer won't sell to an inexperienced keeper that doesn't know what they're getting into. I'm sure some people *will* because it's a quick buck, but the good tried-and-true breeders just won't do it.