I think Outfitters and Tag Services optimize tag prices for the most money, not the land owner.
Most of the land owners I've seen get paid 1/3 to 1/4 of the price that the Outfitters then charge.
They seem to be pleased with the residual cash or have no idea what the max price is that they could get.
I know this isnt all, but a lot of the tags I see are your mom & pops, dont know anything better, and dont mind some cash flashed by Outfitters who then go crazy with it.
Again I am not saying you're wrong because you're around different parts of the state and probably have different experiences from me.
To your point though, the Hanks are a rare breed. I'm getting another unit 40 antelope tag this year for a 50K acre ranch that never gets hunted. This will be my third one. I am very lucky and this person giving it to me is the salt of the earth.