Ok, so I read and reread your reply. It is excellent, by the way. The kicker is this:
(I'm not arguing the GOOD of our system - I'm arguing that limiting the American people's choices on who they can hire is unAmerican. That we have to hire a person to listen to us, because our Congressman won't is a whole other story and another argument that I'd prefer not to get into. Let's just assume that the system is static, and focus on this point. I'd be happy to get into the "our system sucks" discussion if you wish, but let's finish this one first!)
You are 100% right. I have no argument, especially with the section I highlighted. Perhaps banning lobbying is treating the symptom and not the disease. Hell, the only reason companies and interest groups lobby the government is because the government has too much power. Maybe we don't ban lobbying but call massive attention to it, like Tom Fitton and Judicial Watch does...
Edit: The list is crazy long.
I'm reading this on mobile and really appreciate the response. It deserves more than I can write at the moment but I definitely will.