For me the gray area in Ilona's response is what exactly "sponsored" means. It seems that most people think that "sponsored" pilots get everything they own for free, and frankly, nothing could be farther from the truth. I am sponsored by Great Planes/Hobbico as a member of Team Futaba. I receive no compensation and I am not an employee of the company. When I say I am not compensated I mean that in the legal sense. I do not receive a Form 1099 from Great Planes/Hobbico so I am not legally compensated. At least that is what my accountant tells me!
There are very few "sponsored" pilots who get a free ride. Even fewer who are paid anything directly.

My question is where is the line drawn. I am more or less an ambassador for Futaba. I use their equipment and help others with their questions, etc. So is the line drawn at the point I do a dedicated solo demonstration at a sanctioned event? Or am I "always on" in the eyes of the AMA? Am I covered as an individual by my AMA insurance when I am just out flying, despite that fact that I am showcasing the equipment I am using?

The answers to these questions will have a profound impact on how these programs operate.