To those in the gliding community, I see a parallel with the shooting community.
In the 70s and early 80s, I engaged in target pistol shooting, which was a reputable hobby, with members probably similar to glider pilots in their enthusiasm, commitment and generally decent nature.
I stopped shooting when I move to London, as I didn't feel happy keeping a potentially lethal weapon in a flat, in an area of high burglary.
Some years year, the Dunblane incident lead to legislation making owning a pistol illegal.
With hindsight, we could have done more in our sport to protect society and we chose not to.
It could happen to your sport.
If I were a glider pilot, I would be looking for ways to voluntarily make your hobby safer.
Cloud flying without a rating and the right kit may be a privilege you like to defned, but come the tragic day when it causes a very serious incident, you may rue your collective views.