Yeah, that's understandable. Some rules are necessary when people fly together and use a leased field, or own a field for which the club might have some liability. Any model airplane/heli/quadcopter can be a danger to people. I have always felt the rules should be at a minimum, but safety is absolutely critical. Sometimes a club gets gets dominated by one or two members who like lawyer-like rules and love to argue about them, It can really put a damper on things. It's important to strike the right balance. It should be mostly a matter of good common sense. Of course, things can happen flying on your own too.

I flew by myself for many years before I joined a club. As a kid, I don't think there was a club in my area, so I was used to doing things on my own. I had considerable free flight experience, so teaching myself RC was easy. I have no regrets about those years of flying on my own, and I have no regrets about joining a club, eventually becoming an officer, starting an annual biplane event, and becoming an instructor. All those experiences have been great. I would say enjoy the hobby and check out whatever clubs are in your area. If you find a good fit you might be in for a pleasant surprise.

Also, congrats for teaching yourself to fly. Not many do that anymore. I found it to be a lot of fun.

Jim