Originally Posted by
GSXR1000
I think it's more a convenience factor than economical for most flyers, I believe.
Here is a example, I have another hobby; Astronomy, but not as much as RC. I have 3 large scopes that can see pretty much anything in the sky that is visible to a scope, but they are big and cumbersome to setup. I have a smaller 6" scope that can't see as much as the larger ones, but since it's smaller and convenienant it gets used the most.
So yes I actually fly my foamies more than I do my large aircraft because i can just drive the 1/4 mile to the empty school field to fly.
I rather fly my larger Gas and Nitro aircraft, the associated cost to fly them; I accept and don't mind paying. With my life schedule and all, I'm lucky to get to my flying field 3 times a month to fly my larger planes. I would rather be flying them, but to satisfy my flying bug till I can go fly my larger planes, I fly my foamies at the local school yard. So I'm getting minimal need for my AMA membership is no big deal for me, I don't mind paying the cost, just like my motorcycle insurance, I don't ride all year and only ride mainly on sunny weekends, but I still pay the insurance during the winter time when it's sitting in the garage with no riding.
Most people who are in the hobby, know the associated cost to fly. For me cost is no issue, just time/convenience...
Your points are all valid. For me, in between other demands on my time, I'm lucky to get a couple hours to go fly. I can spend half that time drive to and from or I can spend most of it flying. I choose the latter. Now, if it does come down that more and more public places prohibit flight, then I'll face a different choice, give up the hobby entirely or "pay to play" and give up the time going to / from a club. For now though, I'm giving up internal combustion fixed wing RC. I'm having just as much fun, flying more, and putting my money into flying and not into memberships.