eagle27,

I think the cast of thousands dates back to colonial days where the indigenous people did all the work. Bwana just had to walk. It is also a division of labour, one watches, one tracks, the skinner comes too, the PH keeps one eye on the client/clients if a 2x1 hunt and the other eye on everyone else. The girlfriend/boyfriend and video recorder person are all there because it is such an expensive exercise no one wants to miss out.

In my limited experience as a hunt progresses the client/PH relationship becomes more stable and if the client is trustworthy it becomes more of a team effort. The cost if the client shoots the wrong animal can be astronomical and the laws and regulations controlling a PH can be substantial.

Hope this helps. It is my perspective.