I personally love pattern and compete (IMAC too.) I pushed real hard this summer to build local interest in our laid back SPA contest. I wrote stuff for the newsletter, stirred interest with other pilots, etc. I did manage to substantially increase attendance in the contest from prior years, but a few who I was 99% sure would show up didn't. I later asked them why.

The major reply I got was that the pilots said they wern't comfortable with the pattern. I think some misunderstood that you get a caller than can help. I think others were concerned they would make a mistake and be embarrassed. Others said they needed to practice flying around (without purpose I gathered) so they can get better before they learn new tricks... that one baffled me. Keep in mind these are responses from persons who have never flown pattern before.

Now my response... I almost hate to say it, but there is a stereotype I have heard for pattern pilots. You know, the stuck up I'm better than you attitude and you flew that wrong, etc. Maybe that attitude comes from the competition... I don't know. Yes, most pattern pilots are better than the general RC population. Problem is that attitude is a real turnoff to those looking to get their feet wet. Newbies don't want attitude... they need encouragement and helpful advice in small doses. Not all pattern folk are stuck up (hope I'm not), but there are more than average IMO with that stuck up attitude. Surprisingly, the IMAC pilots I have met did not have the stuck up attitude. Just my personal observations.