The real question is not whether the AMA should change the rule, but will the insurance underwriter allow coverage at sanctioned events for unproven aircraft.

Why fly an unproven model in sanctioned events, airshows and model demostrations until it has been proven airworthy?  What's the reward for the risk?

Seems to me its only responsible behavior to test an aircraft at an uncrowded field before flying it in front of crowds.  As for the SAE Aerodesign event, clearly the insurer understands there are unproven aircraft, and procedures are in effect to account for this.  For the types of events sanctioned by AMA, I don't see any practical need to change rule 4, other than poor planning on the part of the person that wants to fly the untested model.  To me that's an excuse, not a good reason.

I'm with Hoss on this one.     

Brad