Oh please. If that's the "correct" way of thinking, everyone needs to have every model inspected prior to every flight. That doesn't happen.

If we wanted to be completely safe, we'd just fly simulators. Modeling involves an imperfect art. How many people don't check their batteries before each flight? How many people knowingly fly models that have flaws? I know that I do. Tell me how a patched tank is any more dangerous than any of the calculated risks we take. Are you inspecting your fuel system before every flight? I don't think so. It's incredibly easy to point fingers. There are people who fly beyond their abilities - all of us, at one time or another. There are people who fly models that have problems - all of us, at one time or another. Is every ARF inspected for bad glue joints? Is every flight made with a spotter on a buddy box, just in case?

If a person has the skill and patience to patch a tank, more power to them. Most of us wouldn't even attempt that. If someone believes they can do it, so be it. This hobby's roots are in individuals building skills and making their own equipment. We've become a disposable society. I'm part of that, you're a part of that, we're all a part of that. I don't mind a bit that someone might attempt not to be part of that. Remember when tanks were metal, and needed to be soldered? The world didn't end.

Yes, people who are heavy handed about safety should be throttled back. Heck, even the most recent AMA magazine safety column makes this point.