Thanks Heady, they're some fantastic resources you posted. I just finished watching the whole 47 minute video. They also have a HD version on their youtube channel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXImj2rGkf8
I really think gliding is such a great sport, and can bring valuable skills and knowledge to powered flight. I believe Captain Sullenberger (the pilot who landed in the hudson river in New York after losing both engines to bird strike), was a glider pilot.
It would be great to experiment what fields small powered planes can successfully land in, and at what speeds. But could become a very expensive/dangerous experiment if things went wrong.