RE: Runway take off trouble
In Europe and other countries abroad standing behind your model and taking off is common practice. If you have doubts you can confirm this by watching UTube videos from abroad. I do the same with any new airplane on its' maiden flight. Flying with others is a mixed bag composed of all different types of personalities. The key to overcoming this is associate yourself with those that will accept you. Believe it or not but the most accepting people in the hobby are helicopter pilots. If none of this is helpful than go back and fly alone and enjoy.