And the catch 22 element is: if your goal is to learn to 3D, you're absolutely going to crash (on a sim or otherwise). To learn new tricks means you must push the envelope== down low where you can see what you're doing. If you have a busy field with other guys who mostly want to fly a circular pattern where you want to practice your tricks, that's where the friction brews. You're competing for the same resources.

It's a similar issue to "helis vs planks" but the 3D airplane jocks often can't mix well with heli pilots either. Of course there are exceptions and it boils down to the attitudes of the individuals and their willingness to share and open mindedness and respect for individual differences in tastes.

And beyond the safety and respect aspects, I've noticed (with certain people) there is a definite "stigma" associated with crashing an airplane, or even flying it in an "un-airplane like manner" even if its a foamie or other bird designed to be 3D capable and durable. It seems to alienate some core elements which they believe to be prime attractions of model airplane flight: grace, beauty, scale aspects, etc.

Ever hear, "If you want to fly like that, why don't you just get a helicopter?" (as if a helicopter was also somehow "beneath" a worthy mode of flight).

know your enemy.