Mr. Matt,
As I mentioned above, Congressman Robert Andrews, from here in NJ, is looking into this. I wanted to talk to Dave M. this weekend at the WRAM show and see what the status is as far as the AMA's response to this issue, but never linked up with him. Write Congressman Andrews and you own Representative and Senator and let them know of your concern.
Again, the big issue is not the fee but the demand that the manufacturer carry liability insurance to protect L-M, et al, from having to pay out in the event of a lawsuit. This type of insurance, if available at all, is very expensive and will drive more modeling companies out of business or overseas.
With all due respect to L-M and the rest, it's ALWAYS about the money! They wouldn't be spending mega bucks going after people if there wasn't a payoff at the end.
BRG,
Jon