RE: How to handle the guys with flawed plans?
Jester s1,
There all levels in this hobby! What people purchase is simply up to them based upon their experience, their interest, and personal budget. IMO its not up to me to judge others on those issues. Yes, a lot of that merchandise is of really questionable quality meant to catch the interest of people ignorant to the hobby. As an instructor I do advise what new pilots should purchase for their first airplane, which would be a decent trainer. Whether or not that advise is followed is up to them. Most people step up in the quality of their aircraft once they get themselves familiar and grounded in the hobby.
Personally I have a hanger full of what you call "hobby grade" aircraft some are sport fliers, gliders, pattern birds, couple of trainers, scale birds, and so forth. But, I get just as much enjoyment out of flying my Micro T-28 from Parkzone a cheap airplane one might call a novelty. IMO the cost is not necessarily what its all about, to each their own as long as it is safe.