I can't say I like the guy's attitude and I like to think it wouldn't happen where I can fly, but I think I can explain what happened. Foamies are often seen as "toys" rather than "serious models". That's not to say that the "serious folks" who fly "serious models" don't also fly foamies but often it's as a bit of fun when everything's quiet at the field, or at a local park. They're known colloquially as "park flyers" and are a bunch of fun, but usually these little RTF planes don't have the range or speed that a more expensive plane would have, and it might be inappropriate to fly it at a club... much in the same way as it might be inappropriate to put a 50cc motor scooter onto a freeway. What the guy should have done rather than give you a snide remark is to explain that to you, and make some suggestions for other, inexpensive starting points that would be a little more appropriate for a club environment. If you have a look in the beginner's forum on this site you'll see lots of good suggestions for sturdy, easilly repairable training planes that have full range radios, and enough ability that they won't trip up the "big boys" who are sharing your airspace. Please don't let one arrogant git stop you joining in what is an addictive and social hobby.