And how exactly would driving competition out of the market further the art of plans building? Let's not pretend that those who make or supplement their living by selling plans would not be affected by the AMA offering below-market plans to its members. Nothing exists in a vacuum.

These sorts of discussions baffle me. Someone starts a thread because they feel something costs too much. Instead of asking for information about why it costs too much, they say "do it for the children!" Then others chime in about how nice it would be to get something for nothing or next to nothing, because we all have our challenges in life. Well, you know what? If somebody wanted to provide plans to kids, they could certainly do that. It wouldn't be hard to organize if someone actually felt strongly about it and would put the effort into it. All of the 57 kids in this country who have balsa, engines, covering, radios, and places to fly but lack plans could be given plans. The same goes for those who feel they deserve something for nothing because times are hard. Organize a plan trading group here on RCU. Gosh, that'd be so hard to do...

What it comes down to is that people enjoy complaining, but don't actually care enough to do the work to address their own complaints.