My take on some of your positions is; The AMA needs to have a mobile Nats., as this is a method of bringing model aviation to the public and this in turn will increase membership.

Of the 100s of R/Cers I know and fly with at local R/C events (Fun Flys) it's likely only a handful have been to the Nats. and even less than this has competed.

Model avaition has a million other hobbies/sports/activities to compete with! We have little control over how people become involved in this hobby. Yes, exposure is good, but it's not enough! If you talk to the general public, I find most know about model airplanes and R/C. Their children likely have had an R/C car or other R/C controlled item. What about the likelyhood that those who want to be involved in the hobby, now are? When I started, the buggaboo was people felt they could never build a model airplane! Now, with ARFs they don't have to and this has involved 100s of thousands of more people in the sport than when I started. Many tried it and found it wasn't what they wanted and moved on.

From my point of view, I don't care if one more person becomes involved in the hobby. I'm in this for myself, not for others. However, if they do get involved and ask for my help, I will give it to them gladly!