MR. Wharton Palmer:
It is well documented that Bob Jones voluntarily resigned his amateur status prior to doing the films, etc. He sent a letter to the USGA stating that although he didn't know that his intended actions were contrary to the rules of amateurism, he felt they would certainly violate the spirit of amateurism.
I think his attitude strengthens the concept of amateurism, and was not the begiing of the end, as you suggest.
The issue today is, of course, that the growth of the game, the ease of international travel, the rise of collegiate golf, and the increased relevance of national golf unions has brought about a need for a more uniform amateur code, one that can be applied equitably around the world.
I am all for a restrictive amateur code- I've lived within such a code my entire golf life. However, we must also be practical, and we must increase opportunity for all golfers, especially disadvantaged golfers, and there must be fewer, not more, roadblocks for them. Yet the rules must be equitable, and keep the spirit of amateurism (playing golf as a non-remunerative, non-profit making sport).
There have been changes, of course, necessary ones, but IMO changes which have not fundamentally altered amateur status.