I haven't bought permits for 2 of my 3 sleds and 2 of the 3 haven't/won't touch the precious trails, so in my eyes it works out perfectly. Why spend 45 bucks on grooming and signing that my sled never sees. IF I planned on riding the groomed trails then I would pony up for a permit.
I just don't like that people are forced to buy a permit to ride when they aren't using the groomed trails (IE off-trail, lake riding, riding in neighbors field, etc).
As far as paying where I play, I live here so I pay plenty for where I play.