As a counter example, I like many people did some 'original' research for my HS science fair. I ended up working with a geologist at my local school who was both willing to give advice and a little help for free. I saw plenty of examples where someone got access to either testing equipment or raw data. EX: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/search/ As long as you have the methodology down you can even get published.

IMO, the real issue is the vast majority of people both inside and outside the establishment don't have any ideas that are both original and anywhere close to correct.

PS: It tourneys out my idea was less novel than I thought but the journey was still fun.