People are going to hike Owlshead whether there is a trail or not. I think it is in interest of minimizing environmental impact on the area to have 1 designated way to the top that would be used by the majority of hikers.
I agree with Sadie's point. Personally, I will hike Owl's head with or without an Official Trail. But, if they REALLY want to minimize the impact on the environment, then an Official Trail would be necessary, otherwise people will trample everywhere.
I do understand it is a wilderness area, and I understand, I think, what they are trying to do. I believe they have unintentionally created a catch-22.