dick-
in response to your post, I can understand your "frustration".

the way I look at it is this: computers are just tools. the basic concepts of aerodynamics do not change, it is just another way to put ideas and designs down on paper. the ultimate goal is to produce a plan, and from this plan a model aircraft. i love my notebook for sketching design ideas. pencil and paper cannot be replaced in this regard. but having scaled up a 3-view to a full size plan using pen, paper, protractor, french curves, manually plotting airfoils....and then beginning the same process using a CAD program, the CAD just makes things easier! i can focus my time on design and building, and not on re-drawing lines, or re-sizing something, etc. Why not use the best tool for the job? At least, given my knowledge, the best tool for me. The same way using a Dremel tool to grind or shape is faster than doing it by hand...or using a jigsaw instead of an x-acto....or using a power drill instead of a hand drill...or using a calculator instead of doing calculations by hand...or using a glow-engine instead of rubber power! Computers are just tools. they do a good job if you know how to use them. And with the advent of laser cutting and Kinkos print shops offering plotting and printing, it just makes sense to use the best tools to get that plan printed, and that beautiful aircraft all the way from idea through design to building and to flight.

The difference I think, is that I and others have a lot of general computer experience which has been acquired over years, and with basic concepts of computers and software, and the learning curve is substantially less steep. In the case for you and others who do not have that base knowledge, maybe pencil and paper is the most efficient way to design, given the steeper curve of trying to learn the CAD and computer concepts, which are so intertwined. To each their own, use whatever method works best for you! the goal of making a plan, and a plane, has not changed.

just my 2 cents.

In the same regard your design and conceptual knowlege is likely far greater than us younger, newer, modelers. I hope you do continue to help in that regard! Who cares how the person uses the ideas you present.....as long as they get it down on paper, using a computer and printer, or a pencil and paper, it really doesnt matter! So yes, there are two different "threads" here potentially. general design concepts, and CAD implementation of these concepts. or maybe a third...pencil and paper implementation! how to plot airfoils using a ruler and french curves, how to scale up a 3-view, etc. Lots of people still draw plans on paper, and why not? its easy, simple, cheap, and effective. All ideas are valuable. Just not all are applicable to everyone. =)

sincerely,
-ron