Come on people, is the gliding world turning into a
nannie state?

As a glider pilot for some 40 odd (some very odd) years
and a tug pilot for 30 I can't believe some of this
drivel.

Launching of any description on any hook is not a problem
if the gowk at the back has had it properly drummed
into him to keep his hand on the release and thus be
able to throw the launch away instantly in the event
of a dropped wing or the tug disappearing from sight.