The Australian study is interesting reading. One thing that you often find is that people's views are far from rational in regards our pastime/sport/hobby. Gone are the days of the 'crazy' aviator, but some people still think that we are just boys (or girls) with big, dangerous toys. Television is partly to blame, how many soaps have included a light aircraft in an episode and allowed it to make a trouble free flight?
But there will always be that element of risk (however small now), which is what, I argue keeps people interested. That adrenaline rush as you approach the threshold in difficult conditions and the satisfaction you get when you then nail the landing is hard to find in most other activities you engage in.