Gasax,
I don't mean that they are an asset as an individual, but rather that having their displays is.
Imagine Andrew and Aisling who have no connection with aviation. They get a flyer/see an advert for an air show at an airfield close by with the Red Arrows displaying. So they turn up, see the airfield, lots of people, a buzzing place, have a nice day out among all the little airplanes, and leave that evening thinking how great it would be to be able to fly.
They never meet the Red Arrows as individuals....they know nothing of them. But surely they are left with a predisposition towards that airfield? Perhaps when some developer thinks of building houses on it, Andrew and Aisling will realise they will miss their annual air show and object? Perhaps Aisling will buy Andrew a trial lesson for his birthday, because he seems to enjoy the show so much....perhaps Andrew will go on to complete his PPL and become an active member of the GA community?
If the Red Arrows weren't there, then Andrew and Aisling would probably have gone to B&Q to get something for the house that Sunday instead. They'd think of GA as nothing more than annoying noise making machines.
That's what I mean about the RA's being an asset for GA. Not that the individuals are great embassidors....but as a display they have got to foster a good impression towards GA in the public's eye.
dp