>>such instruments should be "grandfathered" into the law and be exempt.

I agree, and indeed such grandfathering is commonplace, although it usually requires its own certification. However, the onus is on you, the traveller, full stop. Crying after the fact doesn't change anything. And yes, there are places I won't travel with my instruments.

As for local laws, the Lacey Act is extremely problematic. Frankly, without wishing to point fingers, the US is the most difficult jurisdiction I've dealt with.

As for the current story, I agree, lots of bits missing.