Don't feel alone Joe. I too have returned last year from about the same absence as you and it is a whole new thing. I think you really hit the nail on the head calling it "X" games for R/C. I am a rated instrument single engine and rotor pilot and I have no desire to fly 3D for your same reasons. But that's what makes this sport interesting. I was at Toledo this year, it always amazes me the spectrum of models there. Jets with show quality airbrushed paint to tissue covered fragile models. I guess it's the same with flying styles. Modeling is sure fun.