As a GA pilot and model flier of many years I consider that DoubleBack has eloquently put into words my own thoughts and I endorse them.
Interesting that this forum posts have on the whole been vey supportive of the model flying hobby and that is maybe that many pilots are model flyers themselves.
While legally and to the uninitiated there may be no distinction between the toy copters, the UAVs and 'model flying' in practice there is a real distinction that hobbyists will understand.
I sincerely hope that the professional UAV situation and the totally different toy copter situation do not impinge on the model flyer who for many years have flown their craft with no adverse effects on the general public or the other users of the air.
Virtually all model fliers will belong to the BMFA which offers comprehensive guidelines and training programs in addition to public liability insurance.