I think that everyone pretty well agrees that the PP program isn't living up to expectations. It is also a fact that the "crap" as you call it, is quite popular with Open AMA members, bringing a whole new world of materials and construction techniques to the hobby and opening up inexpensive ways to experiment with creative designs. It also opens year round flying with indoor venues that would be impossible with "conventional" IC powered models. High performance at a reasonable cost has probably captured the imagination of younger modelers as well. Small foam and EP models using carbon fiber, etc. has opened a whole new world of available flying sites where "conventional" models can not be tolerated. "Foamies" offer the experienced modeler a flying fix while working on his dream Top Gun model and allows him to keep his flying skills honed for the big event. The Editor of MA has no doubt recognized these new technologies as the wave of the future for model aviation. I hear a few "seasoned" modelers frequently denigrate, foamies and electrics in general. I also don't seeing them flying much of anything as they age. On the other hand, some of our oldest and most experienced modelers are extending their modeling life via these new technologies being featured in Model Aviation.