Nail on head there.
I must admit that quad copters and DJI got me into this hobby; I always had an interest in R/C but no FPV and the intimidation of crashing a conventional model aircraft kept me away. I guess I'm not the only one.
I've tried to think of an analogous activity and you've mentioned some good ones -- I can't think of one better. In the insurance business, agents used to joke that auto insurance was the worst to service because people were very particular about their car - their pride and joy, and they expect perfection. This is a lot of money to see it smashed in front of you, no matter what the cause.
When I was about 15, I saved up and bought a control line Stuka bomber. Man, I was so hyped. My dad and I took it out to the field, and it's maiden and only flight lasted 3 seconds. That was bummer too!
I don't remember if Testors had a customer service department back then.