mostly on topic
I can't help feeling from this thread that the GA scene needs to lighten up a bit. This forum offers plenty of evidence that of the 50,000 or so pilots out there in the UK there are probably 50,001 motivations. We all have our reasons for flying and all experience (and are experienced at) different things. Unless there is clear evidence that something is dangerous we shouldn't criticise those who do it. Everything is unsafe if it is outisde of your experience or personal safety / comfort zone.
I have flown a Robinson R22 and been told by commercial helicopter pilots that it is follish and unsafe. I fly formation and have been told by others at the flying club that formation flying should be reserved for the military who practice every day. I have turned aircraft upside down and had it explained to me that this is a sure way to bring death and destruction closer. I have organised Breakfast Patrols and there are those on this thread who would have me hung drawn and quartered for reducing the safety of GA.
I guess my personal safety zone is to only do things which can either be participated in at different levels (so that I can choose my level) or things which I have been trained for. With a BP you can choose to fly straight and level and hope to avoid detection, you can keep your eyes open and change course to route to the blind spot of a spotter aircraft (few hang out of the window to look behind them), or you can fly in a more spirited fashion to avoid detection. This is personal choice and I am not convinced that a saving of around £5.00 is going to make anyone extend much beyind their personal comfort / safety zone.
I you feel you might be tempted to pull into a loop to avoid detection but have not practiced such a manouvre can I suggest that you dont attend a BP I organise. As with G-A I don't want the pieces scattered around me.