You really didn't insult anyone, honest. Almost everyone who has never seen it makes assumptions that seem sensible to them, and that's all you did. Matter of fact, thousands of 1/2A models are flown on strings. Strings made out of string. And the airplanes do go around in circles.

But you owe it to yourself to see if you can find some experienced C/L'ers in your area and check out what they do. You will be freakin' AMAZED.

Control line is the basis of some of the most awesome racing you'll ever see models do. There can be 4 planes at a time running appreciably over 100mph all on the same circle. Pilots in a little wad, pit crews at 90degree spots out on the circumference. Pit crews???? You betcha', because the races have pit stops where the models refuel. And that's just the racing planes.

Ever seen a square loop done by a model? With the bottom line at about 5' (yeah, 5 FEET). That a loop with each side a little more than 30' long, give or take. A square in the sky with at least one corner made with the airplane doing around 60mph HEADED STRAIGHT AT THE GROUND, and turning a VERY TIGHT radius, so tight lots of spectators flinch and scream.

And C/L combat fliers are pulling streamers at 100mph plus and cut each others streamers with skill, not blind luck.

Lots of things C/L fliers do that's amazing. And most of 'em will just grin if you ask about the string deal. Stick around and watch, and you'll know why their self esteem ain't hurt a bit. It takes special people to do most of it. And you'll be better of for finding some of them.