I disagree, I think the majority of boaters do take it seriously.
I do understand that the rules are a guide and not harden fast, (maybe they should be then there would be no issue, difficult to police) but they are there to help and in this instance the help is to close the gates whether we like it or not. I must admit I do like to find a lock gate open for me, but if the lock is full I also like to find the far gate shut.
On a seperate note, I have your old potting bench (I think it was yours?) salvaged when Lucy was moved.