One of the things which was generally true of modelers say 50 or 60 years ago was that we were generalists. Modelers who competed often competed all across the spectum. Go to a regional contest, fly power free flight, several categories, hand launch glider, CL A speed, and stunt, and maybe rudder-only RC. As time has gone by, I think modelers have become more specialized. And thus more isolated from each other. On the other hand, the specialties have developed into SIGs and there is a tighter group within the specialty. There are not many general model airplane clubs like there were in the 50's.