I think I now understand the matter that Larry was talking about. And I even agree with the idea that Paul Smith just posted.
We have several categories of CL Scale. I am not sure what happened at the end of the last rules change cycle but it appeared that the Scale Contest Board voted to eliminate the CL Precision Scale event. However, it is still in the AMA rulebook. Nevertheless, we still have the FAI Scale event that is flown, sometimes, at the Nats and it can be flown at any contest if the organizers choose to do so. So, we have one or maybe two CL events for precision scale where all sorts of detail and flight options would be necessary to successfully compete with other similar models. One of the problems with these events is that there is a mandatory point deduction if the model does not retract its landing gear an it is a model of a full size aircraft with a retracting landing gear. Also, there will be a point deduction if flaps and/or any other function on the full scale aircraft are not operated in flight because of the realism of flight factor in the scoring. These rules have the unfortunate result that many people do not build the airlane they would like to build because of the "required" complexity of the model. Because of these complexities, many potential CL Scale modelers just do not build for these events.
For the so-called Designer Scale event, the same rules essentially apply with the same result that few participate.
Then there is CL Sport Scale. There is a similar situation here because of the realism of flight scoring category and the rules which state that the model of an airplane equipped with a retractable landing gear "should" retract its gear in flight.
Profile Scale exempts the retract rule, so a wide variety of models can be more readily selected by a builder to compete. Profile Scale can be viewed as an entry level to encourage modelers to build and fly in a scale competition. There are varying degrees of interest in this event in different parts of the country. Some very nice models have appeared from time-to-time and the event certainly merits continued support. But there is a problem with "Profile Scale" in that in itself, it represents an anachronism. Some people may view these models as caricatures of an airplane with their "slab" fuselages and will shun the idea of ever building such a "scale" model. (That is unfortunate, because these are fun ad can be easy to do based on my experience with these at the local and Nationals level.)
Even though Profile Scale can be viewed as being an "entry level" event for CL Scale, it may not appeal to very many potential CL Scale modelers. So, is there a solution here that I think Larry is asking for? I think that the ideas brought forward by Larry and Paul are worth considering. Why not try establishing a simplified CL Scale event that restricts flight options to something like only throttle control and further limits the number of flight options that can be scored. There should be no penalty for not having a throttle, but then one of the neat things about Scale would not be encouraged. Building a throttle equipped model is not difficult and it is tremendously enjoyable to fly. The models should be limited to a total dispalcement of say .25 cu in and some equivalent electric power. Or the models should be limited to a maximum wing span, but I think it better to just limit the things by its engine/motor.
I am not suggesting an immediate formal rules change proposal. Rather, local groups can set up their own events and see what works and what does not work. Then, over time, if the interest justifies, start thinking about establishing a formal rules proposal for such an event.
Mike Keville has done something like this with his "1/2A Multi-Engine CL Proflie Scale" event. (there is that "dreaded" Profile thing again.) The first of these contests was held in Tucson last Fall and there is an indication that more will enter this year particularly with proxy flying allowed. (Mike is the originator of the Vintage Stunt Championships and we have seen what that has turned into during the last 20 years.)
There is an example of how a "simplified" set of rules might encourage participation in an event. Look at the "unofficial" .15 Profile Carrier event. I know that, locally, there are getting to be as many .15 Profile Carrier entries in our local contest as with the "Official" events of Class I, Class II and AMA Profile Carrier.
Food for thought.
Keith Trostle