The only mine that is crowded, is the NCR mining site. So your argument looks somewhat void.Also, so far I just see good things regarding the new mining stuff. People meet each other more, it gives a better feeling, you can come more around, etc... it's not as simple anymore than it was before.
If you want to make enemies, try to change something.
Geeeeeesh, i bet i sound fucking retarded, but am i the only one witouth any problems since the wipe? I havent been in NCR and i dont know how it looks there, but i use Klamath and few others in the north. Only one ive met some people in was klamath mine. Im overloaded with junk and got enough EP's. All i can say is, i guess YOURE DOING SOMETHING WRONG!
I fall my knees and beg - do nothing with new mining and gathering system, especially do not turn it back to the old one. Let's wait, I already like it a lot, you can meet someone at mining camp, meet something while scavenging for junk (and die there either), there is always something to do.