But at both sorts of clubs, there were 'hangers on'. People who apparently once flew, but no longer did. They were regulars in the bar and told everyone else how to fly, how to maintain this and that and they would regularly criticise those who did fly. And then there were the 'affinity groups', clubs and associations with fancy names. A lot of their members had fancy names and titles as well. These groups would hold some of their events at our clubs. They were very well dressed (by comparison with the members) and did not drink much beer. Shall we call them the Gin’n’Tonic set? But much like the hangers on, they knew everything there was to know about flying and aviation and would also not hang back with their criticisms of those that actually flew. But I never saw them fly. No, not all of them were like that but these people appeared to be in the majority. Their main events were held well away from aviation though!
I am aware of these types of groups also. I've never devoted much time to them. I have a deep respect and appreciation for those older pilots who have stopped flying, but still participate in events to mentor new pilots. But these older pilots encourage, rather than discourage or criticize. And, their mentoring happens away from the fancy events, 'cause they know that's not often where one finds the new pilots who will benefit from the mentoring. Instead, they'll be sitting at a picnic table at the flying club, chatting with passers by.
members had fancy names and titles as well
Yeah. If you need to introduce yourself with a fancy name or title to be welcomed in the group, well, oh dear..... Your family gave you a name, that'll do. If you're working in the military, or other structured organization,
maybe you should use your title. But if those around are paying you nice human to human respect, adding your title to the conversation may not really make the conversation better - it'll just serve to intimidate the person who really you should be drawing in and mentoring.
If I hunted through certificates I've filed away, I could find groups of letters to put after my name. When with fellow pilots, the letters after my name which serve me well are: C-150. We can build from there with a nice conversation. If you want to know if I fly anything else, you'll ask....