Thanks, reincarnate. I understand what you are saying.
I'm lucky, I have 3 AMA fields within 10 mi. of me, Aeronuts, Indy Westside, and Hamilton County. I fly at Aeronuts, that's where my friends are, and nowadays I get as much fun just hanging around them as I do flying.
We also have a group flying non-AMA nearby where I could fly, and might, but it is just less convenient.
My original point to LCS was that model airplane flyers are, IMO, no more and no less more careful with their "toys", than other hobbiests.
It kind of morphed into something else, as is common.
I don't claim to have any idea of how many people fly what from where, just that I think for the average Joe without several acres, or a friend with same, AMA clubs are the norm. It obviously varies by region.
If you ever get down this way, let me know, you're more than welcome to fly with us too. A great bunch of guys.