I think that we, the pattern guys are just too small of a community. An example of this is that why dont large manufacturers sell actual competitive pattern planes? I think that if a large company/distributor put up a 2m pattern plane that didn't cost so much we would see a large grow of participants. Just imagine if HobbyKing sold a decent sized pattern plane that flew somewhat ok and looked right. I don't agree with the club class though, because then there are already five classes and with the participation that we've had over the last couple of years, there wouldn't be alot of competition in the lower classes. I think that rather than a club class, the sportsman class should get a little easier, with shorter maneuvers (ex. a single loop rather than a double loop) and maybe one more turn around. Just my 2 cents...

-Alex D8