I'll be honest, before I got the GPS or range finder i was old school, figuring out the yardages myself.  Then a few years ago I finally gave in.  Started with the GPS and now i'm with the range finder.  I love the range finder and really enjoyed using it this year. 

As for the rules, I really don't pay attention to it.  The only time rules come into play is when i'm having a fun money match with my buddies and even then we're not that up tight about it. 

And honestly I haven't witness what you've been seeing (jumping and screaming about rules) on the course but definitely read about it online.  Sounds like a tough crowd in your area.  

Cheers

Unfortunately I have found from competitive golf in the 80's without laser rangefinders then converting over in the 90's that they are great inventions.  I can see though how they have taken some of the art out of distance determination in golf.

I use a Garmin Gps watch, and have done for a couple of years.  Last week I forgot it, and played better without it using what felt right for the shot, rather than relying too much on the numbers

I started using a range finder a few seasons ago, and I can't image life without one.  You'd be shocked how inaccurate some of the on-course markings can be.  It's just so much easier and quicker than finding a sprinkler head or eyeballing it.  And correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't they legal for just about any type of tournament and of us would play in?  So not sure why rules sticklers would care.

Sorry Dave, I went to a Garmin wrist GPS  this year and honestly I loved it.  I walk and carry and on my league my partner and I use it .  It's actually helped a lot.  I'm not a Tour player and I don't worry about the rules so much that I wouldn't use one.  I noticed the college NCAA Tournament was using them this past year also.   

I personally think it speeds up the game and they are allowed in amateur golf without measuring slope. I believe the reason golf isn't growing at a pace we would all love too see, is primarily due to slow play. I have no doubt that by the time a professional golfer and his/her caddie determine the exact yardage, they are within one yard every time, but why take that much time to figure it out when a rangefinder takes seconds.