ORIGINAL: bigtim
I don't do contests so it doesn't really matter to me, I am not into competition,obviously you take yourself way to seriously, I just have fun with this hobby.
when people have one opinion they seem to want to propagate as the one end all fact of the matter,when others don't feel the same you need to pound your chest and brag on your accomplishments good for you, if it makes you feel better good on ya.
I have been doing this hobby for a long time my self, started flying control line at about age 8, flew my first RC plane at 14 at 45 its been a while for me as well, even after a long break from model building I know how they work and what makes a part function and how to properly install it and operate it.
as for the clips loosening up it takes some doing,I have planes 5years old the EZ connectors are as good as the day I installed them.
I am comfortable with my opinion, as you should be with yours you need to relax and fly your own planes the way you want them .
I wonder if you ever fly in warbird fly-ins? Those are AMA events. (generally) We have a very large one here at our home field. I can promise you, if I were doing tech/safety inspections for our event, those terminations would not be allowed (other than a throttle). If someone were to lose control and put there aircraft into the crowd of spectators, it could be tragic.
It is too bad these things are even included with many of the ARF's, as they become acceptable. Just another part of the hardware package that belong in the trash.
My serious attitude comes from a desire to not destroy expensive aircraft and not pass on bad information, and nothing to do with my involvement in competition. The AMA rule book sets a standard. Just like the FAA on full scale aircraft. They have standards as well when it comes to control surface terminations. Something I am sure you welcome the next to you take to the skies.