The last chance to avoid the stranglehold the FAA now has on the hobby was in AMA's 2016 election for president. Here is an article in sUAS News (tagline, the business of drones) by Gary Mortimore, founder and editor, opposing Lawrence Toungas as president of AMA, "Lawrence Toungas for AMA president, just say no" (with a mocking YouTube music video for good measure). The premier drone lobby publication in the US of course was behind drone/FPV promotor Rich Hanson. In hindsight it could not be more clear what a poison pill drones and FPV have been for RC flying. It is also clear the droners were laughing all the way to the bank over the stupidity of AMA. The article includes Tougas' campaign statement which is a mini-history of how it all turned out.
https://www.suasnews.com/2016/08/law...t-just-say-no/