Nice comments Finbar. Reminds me of why we all got into this sport to
begin with, thanks for sharing.

Here's my take on why we push beginner wings so much here:

Every once-in-a-while a select individual gets this crazy notion that
they must fly like a bird. Next thing we know, a post appears here
requesting plans for a glider, or asking how to install those "curvey"
bent things in their new garage-sale glider. I've even seen a video of an
Aussie "flying" a piece of cloth stretched over some tubing, being
static-towed from a car. It had nearly zero controllability and even
broke... Once, a gentleman who was building a beautiful citation-like
airplane asked which Radio Shack components he should use in his throttle
servo controller... And of course there's the "I don't need no
steeeenking instruction" types who flat-out refuse to listen to any form
of logic. They're going to do it their way or die trying- "darwinism" at
it's finest I suppose.

Now obviously the vast majority of us have great respect for gravity and
the laws of nature. Some can even get by without that, with a lot of
skill and confidence. But sometimes we run across an individual who
doesn't have the slightest bit of common sense or respect. That doesn't
make them any better or worse of a person, but it severely affects their
risk level. (Note this is not directed at anyone.)

Therefore, to try and save ourselves the guilt of murdering hapless
victims, we invariably side with caution (and reccomend beginner wings)
for anyone we don't know. The internet is a very anonymous place- without
a five-page article discribing the poster's safety habits and life story,
we have no idea if they could handle farting downwind let alone landing a
hot ship in a turbulent matchbox. ; )

Granted, nearly all pilots are very safety-conscious and respectful, but
occasionally genetics throws in a bird-brain. Also, times are changing,
people don't seem to think the same way they did 20 years ago. The
continual decline of our group numbers is another indication. "Are we
getting smarter, or dumber?" In 1974, HG was an "in" activity and anyone
with a sense of adventure was keen on the idea of skis and a Rogallo.
Nowadays, it seems like society thinks gliding is some kind of "evil"
extreme sport like skydiving and bungee-jumping, which only long-haired
thrill-seeking crazen hippies from the 70's have the deathwish to try.
: ) Heh, wuffos... they haven't a clue.

It's unfortunate that "hand" gliding gets a bad wrap. While it is true
that gliders and pilots are much safer today than 20 years ago, there is
still significant risk of personal injury. There is also significant risk
of being killed by a falling tree, but we seem to conveniently forget
that. Nearly all of this risk can be circumvented simply by a few basic
rules, some checklists, and adequate pilot conditioning. (And don't stand
under a tree in a thunderstorm...)

I'd like to believe our intentions have always been good, although these
might appear a variety of things at times. Nobody is perfect. We just
want to fly and have a good time, and really dislike losing our friends.

Well I'll cap it for now as I seem to be rambling with no particular
direction. Suffice it to say, if everyone had your outlook and
convictions Finbar, HG would be a much better sport. : )

Regards,
Mark

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