RE: Why Stand So Close?
The AMA rules did change, but your club rules can be more strict than the AMA's rules. The AMA rules just set the "minimum" requirements. If your club does not want pilots standing on the runway, simply form a rules change committee, propose the change, and take a vote.
I like to stand on the runway and hover and fly in close if no one else is flying, but I never do it unless I have the runway all to myself. If there is any doubt that someone else wants to fly. I do not 3D in close.