Well, as for the people at my field. They all seem to like to watch me fly my 2 meter planes. I am the only pattern flyer though. They are always saying things while I fly. Oh, you just point them in a direction and they go there. What a bunch of crap. I'm always holding some type of rudder to make my lines straight. There are a few people in my club now though who fly Imac and 3d who have bought 90 size pattern ships so I have heard because they want to become better pilots. Go figure.
I feel that the reason pattern is dying is not because of the price of pattern ships. Half of the people at my field have at least a 33% plane with the same amount of money or more in them as a 2 meter pattern ship. Pattern is dying because of 3d or at least people who try to 3d. Alot of people I talk to don't know anything about the new 2 meter planes and therefore don't get back into pattern if they used to fly it. Also, they have no one to show them what the manuvers are, and no one to call for them. It's a shame really. I have so much fun flying pattern and the newer designs, engine power, 4 blade props really make a huge difference in how much easier pattern has become. Plus the manuvers are such a challenge compared to in the 80's. I'm not bashing the older stuff so don't get me wrong. I still have a curare. Just trying to give my opinion on this subject. My favorite old design is still the EU1. That plane was awesome.

Pattern is all about the presentation throughout the whole flight now. Pattern is turnaround manuvers. Yes it has changed and therefore so have the designs. If it were given half a chance by people, they might see how fun these "bloated pigs" really are... They sure do fly nice.

Krishlan