But I have seen first hand how they have chased off other newcomers to the hobby.

I'm not sure they're chasing people off, just being wary of young newcomers. As a longstanding club member in 4 clubs. I've seen the following senarios often. A newbie comes out and professes great interest in learning to fly RC. He shows up for a few weekends and does learn a little bit. Suddenly, he loses interest and no longer appears. Lots of time and effort down the toilet. Or, a newbie comes out and learns to fly. He may or may not join. Suddenly he's no longer seen, but IS reported flying out of a cow pasture or at another club. Again, lots of time and effort wasted. That's why most clubs require necomers to join within a few weeks of their first flying visit. That's why a lot of instructors may hesitate about teaching ad complete newcomer. It's happened to me.

However, your point is sometimes valid. There are unfriendly clubs and people out there. The answer to that is find another club. If there's not another one around, find a flying field and start your own club.

Dr.1