There are many competitive-minded people that still prefer the simplicity of the early planes. Even though they are basic, the early pattern planes will still perform. ANY pattern plane is still beautiful to watch in the hands of somebody who practices. They may be 40+ years old in some cases, but a "pattern plane" is still a pattern plane...they go right where you point them, and if set up properly fly smooth as silk. I especially like the way my King Altair flys...like a 2-meter plane years ahead of its time IMHO.

Look at Don Lowe's original Phoenix 1 in the attachment. This plane has rubber bands, control surfaces that were STITCHED on, (if you can believe it), and music wire landing gear...yet it flew fast and was beautiful to watch.

Personally I'm happy without some of the later "advances"...it's all what you were used to flying. People that came along in the 70s and 80s want the retract/tuned pipe experience...it's what "floats their boat". Even back in the 80s, I loved the beauty of aerobatics properly done, but DIDN"T feel comfortable with the speed. I'd have a sigh of relief every time I got it back in one piece. For me, slower gives me more time to think and relax.

The great thing about RC is the variety...there is something for everyone, and you can go to where you're most comfortable. Personally I'm most comfortable with SPA-style vintage pattern planes, but I enjoy watching the BPA planes in the hands of someone else.