Wow, I think there is a huge disconnect here.  I first came to the BWCA in 1990 as a result of meeting John Scheifelbein in Chicago at the Outdoor show.  I have been back 16 or 17 times since then, and have never been the least disappointed in the way that I have been treated by him or his staff.
John has gone out of his way to assure that my trip is a sucess each year.  I have returned with my children, my wife and my friends in part as a result of the friendship that we have formed through the years.  
Each trip John reviews my plans with me, offers hints if he has any, shares stories and gives me his undivided attention.  Nothing in the experiance you describe even sounds remotely like anything I have experianced.  
John has done this for me despite the fact that I probably have never paid him as much as $500.  I get a canoe and three Duluth packs, fishing license and permit delivery from him.  If he had to succeed with customers like me I don't think he would make it.  Still I am treated the same as if I had booked the gold package.  
The canoe country trip is a hard trip, that is an important part of the experiance.  You must make adjustments to discomfort and minor misfortune when it occurs.  If you are unable to handle the loss of your plastic ware what would you do if something really bad happens.  I believe that North Country has gotten a bad rap here and can't believe the punishment fits the crime.
I will be back to the BWCA next year and I will outfit through North Country and I will do so because these are good people and they have become my friends.  If you wish to know more about my experiance there I would be happy to share it further.  I hope no one makes a decision to not outfit through North Country because of this overblown "warning" posted.