My soaring club holds two events a month April-September with an average turnout of 25 guys. Granted we fly a max of 13 minutes during those events but there are sailplanes in the air most of the day. Rocketry, I can’t say as I don’t participate.
A boat with explosives is not going to bring down a jet full of people into a populated area or a multi billion dollar military jet. Granted it could severely damage a cargo ship or cruise liner however the DOD is not focused on that.
Agree, the AMA could be more diligent with cost saving measures. My Model Aviation copy has a 10 minute lifespan.