To all above, there is some very interesting dialogue there. John Witt provides some very good input. His insight definitely demonstrates, IMO, definite factors bearing on the problems of CL flying, if there truly is a problem.
Others define the dedication to work as the basic solution. That too is important. Those dedicated to doing the required work will always come out on top. Yet, that makes me wonder just why certain individuals that do perform so well also wish to close the doors behind themselves to those lesser inclined, which are generally no threat to said performers.
Witt blames the industry for problems associated with profits. Those that invest their time and efforts to provide for the consumers are to be applauded for doing such. Where would/will we all be if a comparably few do not continuously step forward and make those items available to all. What will those "workers" do when so few are available to support any interest in anyones care to provide any of the needed items.
By the same token, as for the industry providers, then when these workers close the doors to new individuals that could well be ready to climb the ladder to the success, yes, just who will be there, "....to have the commitment to build complex and elaborate scale models."
In RC the large competition segments, Pattern and IMAC, do wonders to entice new interest in their events. Here in CL Scale, we find a significant number calling such action as "....dumbing down..." In my very learned experience as a competitor, as a Contest Director since 1963, as a previous Hobby Shop owner, as a provider for a large RC club to acquire acreage for a top facility, as a worker in most aspects of the aeromodeling disciplines, I find the thoughts of those wishing to close the doors to the attraction of new people into the established events to be the number one obstacle to increasing the number of participants.
If a newbie that flies his two line Sunday Flier in a contest and is allowed to obtain some points for a Takeoff that has to be held until released, then can land with a dead engine and still acquire some points is a threat to you, then perhaps you should take a good look at just who should do more work.
Back about 1983 I threw away 125 plaques and trophies. I have acquired more since then. Those thrown away were mostly FF and CL. Those now out in the barn are all RC. Show only to present that I have been around the circuit a couple times.
OOPs, Mike Gretz just submitted a long post. Will get there later. But, Mike, what about your, "Not quite Horrace. Nowhere in the Fun Scale rules is throttle control required for landing."
Not
required as only take-offs are optional, landings are mandatory. HA! Did one 1 : 1 scale, out in the rocks one day back in mid-60s. Walked away, and that was points enough!
However what about this 4:17 "If
the engine .......multi stuff ... stops prematurely at any time during the flight, zero points will be awarded." Does that apply ONLY if engine control is an option?
Anyway thanks for the input. Hopefully you will be hearing more from me soon.