Wayne Paul wrote:
I may be getting away from the point; however, is growing the sport the only
reason we should attempt to keep soaring in the "public eye?"

The local EAA Chapter have been very interested and supportive in my HP-14
restoration. Isn't there value in publicly showing that we are part of the
greater aviation community?

A positive perception of GA and soaring in particular is a great reason
to keep us in the public eye. If the only time the public perceives us
is when we crash or generate noise complaints, there will be little
support when airspace or airports are threatened.

Shawn