I'm only 3 or so years into the hobby (well I guess we'll see when I post and it lists my join date!) and definitely get nervous on maidens.

However, I've noticed that my flying gets much better as the planes get banged up a little and my nerves calm.

I don't like these feelings. If I get disoriented by shadows, lose my plane in the sun, or just have a plain 'ol brain fart while flying, it freaks me out a bit. I learned from my first year of crashes to just gain control, take a breath, and fly a loop or two around the pattern to regain my composure. Maybe I'll even land after a breath or two.

I'm sure the feelings are directly proportional to the amount of value (intrinsic and financial) of the plane at hand (stick?).