Thanks for all the great replies.

Certainly I'm not and advocate of my method of entering this hobby, and my frustrations/experiences in part is what led me to submit this post, perhaps someone may learn from my mistakes.

I have wanted to get into RC Planes for about 17-18 years. Ever since I was a teenager basically, but was never able to, primarily due to financial reasons. When I finally found myself in a position to be able to afford to get into this hobby I was like a kid on Christmas morning. I was rip rearing ready to go fly! So even though I was aware of the AMA per recommendations listed in the Nexstar instruction manual, I regarded the recommendation to join the AMA and a local club as one may regard the 47 caution labels on a step ladder. You're aware of them but don't really pay much attention to them. So essentially my inpatients is what led to many of my mistakes (please don't tell my wife that)

Joe