I'm NOT trying to start an argument with you but there is a video on you tube proving it can be done. It is a guy taking off about an 80+ incher in a VERY small backyard. I don't recall seeing the take off on the video, as it may have started after launch. He hovered over a swimming pool with people UNDER the hovering airplane, as well as standing around it. To land he hovered over to an open space in his yard, touched his tail down, and dropped the nose as he cut the throttle. I can't find the video (if I do I will edit it in) but he proved it can be done. Also, 3D guys at my club often have contests between each other to see who can take off and land in the shortest distance. They are off and hovering at about 50', and some can land in as little as 10', or about twice the length of their plane. I have seen it in person and I was amazed.

The point I try to make is it doesn't matter who is at fault. We, as modelers, are lucky not one was injured because the general public will side with the FS every time because in the publics eye we are flying "toys".