ORIGINAL: wxman
I guess each area is different. We have some insanely skilled 3D guys at our field. There is a yak 54 (35% or so) that hovers that thing 6 inches off the ground while torque rolling it. He does rolling circles all day that are flat. People are just in awe of this massive plane doing remarkable things. I think seeing a little profile 3D is one thing, but seeing some of these giants 3D is quite another.
I don't think that anyone is seriously questioning the skill-sets required for high-level aerobatics in either group. The untutored public think that it is all difficult & exciting --- they have it dead right.
For us it's simply a matter of personal preference -- & that's a good thing, otherwise life would be pretty boring.