affordability was an issue to me. I spent just over $100 for an electric park flyer (Ventura) because I wanted to try the hobby out first before spending $300-400. Yes, I could afford to spend another $50 (AMA 3 month and my local club fee for aug-dec) but with that representing 50% of my initial investment, I wasn't interested.

Pride/ego was an issue as well. And this isn't necessarily a bad thing.

Also, I wasn't sure whether I would be accepted with my "plastic toy" or just a part of the debate about dumbing down the hobby.

I did end up joining the ama and my local club. They even helped me with the Ventura! Now I'm building a sig senior kadet kit. The key for me I think was that the local club made me feel welcome initially. As I went out to the field a couple of times and to a club meeting, I saw some of the advantages of the more traditional route into the hobby: building a trainer, using a club instructor, etc. There are a lot of routes for beginners into this activity and I feel fortunate that my local club was there to help.