Totally in agreement here. Everything in RC, CL, FF or not controlled at all is to my estimated 95% of the purchasing public just simply another TOY.
AMA exists simply because there are a number of people that do take it seriously and join clubs, simply to have a place to fly when they so feel like. Other than paying the required dues, and AMA membership where required, those people usually soon move on and contribute nothing to the sport thereafter.
I have heard so many times, "I bought one of those remote-controlled airplanes for my (Dad) (Son) etc. We went to a school yard to fly it, but it crashed." Then comes the, "It made me very mad that the shop-owner would not refund my money" or the same thing if it was purchased by mail order.
Way back in the '70s when RC was just coming into its own, and I owned a Hobby Shop, and there was no such thing as "Buddy Cords", I probably got at least 2 or more chunks of balsa and/or broken engines brought into my store, weekly with "It would not work".
With the numerous outlets today, and so many kids seeing models and then Mom and Dad get one, go out and wreck it, I am surprised that the business keeps going!