Being that I like this hobby so much, I treat my AMA card in the same manner I treat my drivers license - I never leave home without it! If someone's so proficient at RC flying and happens to be visiting from out of town, I would think that he/she would be diligent enough - as if to anticipate a visit to the local RC field - that they would make dang sure they brought their AMA card with them.

The other scenario you describe continues to be that "gray area" in the hobby that no one's really gotten a handle on. There are still many open ends that prevent adequate enforcement of a John Q. Public from acquiring an AMA card, RC ARF and then attempting to fly on his own risking harm to himself or others. All we can do is try and just trust the numbers!

Ted