We don't charge monstrous fees, such a myth perpetrated by the public. It's alright though, everyone loves to hate a lawyer, but everyone needs one sooner or later (even us lawyers).
If the complaint is about the cost of legal services, then stick to that point. Nobody forces a person to seek legal counsel, and you can represent yourself in court anytime without a lawyer. If you want help, yes, there are state laws and protections set up to ensure a person seeking help gets a real professional. Electricians need licenses to fix wires, doctors to do brain surgery, and accountants to compute taxes. If you have a problem with lawyers required to be licensed, then you have a problem with the entire system of licensure.
UPLs were not enacted by a cartel of lawyers
... Legislators who the people vote for passed those rules, so go complain to them for passing the statute.
So basically this article was written by someone who is jealous of a profession that he/she couldn't get into. I admit the requirements and qualifications to reach it are difficult and long, but that's a lot better than the alternative.