RE: Is combat dead?
.049-.061 glow could still be an option if they have comparable performance to the electric power within the class..but the best combat is flown when the models have identical speed and maneuverability.
I like the idea of pushers that can bounce off each other. This is the kind of thinking that is progressive and could rekindle the interest in this sport. The days of high speed jousting and playing chicken are all but over around here.
What is needed is smaller, lighter, cheaper and slower combat with less work to do behind the scenes.