Ok so here is something missing in this thread.

Here in the UK, we are all issued with insurance from all the modeling bodies wich state in the rule book (clearly printed) that no model upto 7 Kgs (15 lbs) should be flown at a distance closer than 30 Meters from any person, property and if the model is over & kgs (15 Lbs) this should be increased to 50 Meters with the model only that distance coming down to 30 meters wilst taking off and landing. So with this in mind and as the Pilot is a person, Guess we have some very long armed peolpe flying 3D being able to touch their model in flight. As for sending your buddy out to a model to touch it for you . . . . . . . . Are these guys insane !!!!????!!!! As for doing something just because a "TOP" flyer does it . . . . . That's not right or are you a lemming ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

I fly 3D, scale, sport, jets, helicopters, gliders, etc, etc, etc and it realy worries me when I am stood beside a fellow pilot and next thing a model is hovered infront of my face. Fine if you are out on a site on your own, but with other . . . . pure stupidity !

So what is the USA rule on a model to object recommeded distance whilst in flight and how long are arms in the USA ?????

Besides that as "dcronkhite" said tail touches can and do sometimes cause damage to an inflight model. And any model damaged in flight is a potential problem.

It has happened to me and after losing a model to this I stopped (cost too much) also at a major USA comp this year, a TOP pilot stripped 2 Futaba 5301's on the rudder the same way and very nearly lost his model.

Yes, it looks cool, but not the most sensible thing to do. So come on an lets be sensible in front of others and not hot shots.