KE, the noisier glow powered 2lb / 60mph planes ARE safer than electric, no kidding. I'm not just talking about melt downs or accidental switch ons, but you can't hear an errant electric model that is closing in on your head as easily. At our club pylon races, I hate to admit it but I'm spooked by having a pack of quiet electric models whizzing past my head. The low time ARFers that this speedy event caters to adds to the "spooky" factor [:-] Many of these guys can't fly 2 clean laps in a row with their 130 mph 1/2A sized planes.
Judging from what I've witnessed, the only time these guys spend doing test flights and getting their models zeroed in is on race day.
Rule 4 or no rule 4, always keep your wits about you at a crowded and busy model plane event, and always keep a small lawn chair handy for self defense.