I think you nailed it. Researchers are afraid that if they say “hey, everyone, look at this awesome site in Ohio!” their boss will make them go. Even worse, they might be forced to lead a two-year study.
It's because states don't have the archaeological services that were available to them as they did in the 1990s. State funding is poorer now than it was in the way back times, when yours truly was actually working on archaeological findings for below minimum wage. I used to do this kind of work in the way back days. Now, you face two things: People are looking for better jobs and states aren't funding this kind of work. In Massachusetts, where I did a lot of contract work and such, it's much better sorted out and the laws are clear. In Ohio, apparently, the police don't have to act on this kind of situation to make it clear state archaeologists have to be called in. I used to work on these things as a slave of archaeologists all over the country just 20 years ago.
Not too much to stop reading. It's a pretty dry subject so the opinions and more hot-button references made the piece more readable. Though I think the characters interviewed could have added enough life without the author injecting snide comments.
Massive historical significance, miniscule aesthetic value (in the present day). If Egypt had to engage in "interpretive mowing" to emphasize the pyramids, they would also be overlooked by tourists.