Dunno if it was just coincidence that you had this thread and its discussions about community and design AND then FT releasing their recent video of community DIY projects and then followed by a recent Twitter tweet of "Want to design? Start by modifying planes!"
I do agree with rockyboy in that, to me, Flitetest provides a good introduction into the DIY approach to foamboard planes. Really modifying is something that anyone who gets into RC planes will learn over time anyways. Not just DIY, but even RTF models where maybe you know that maybe brand xxx uses some crappy components, weak glue joints, brittle control horns, etc.
When I first got back into RC planes about 3 years ago I had no idea this type of DIY concept existed. I knew there were some guys who would construct balsa planes from scratch but knew nothing of anyone using foam, foamboard, etc. Until I discovered Flitetest. So I totally appreciate these guys bringing that into focus so I can experience RC flight without breaking the bank. And to also keep the DIY aspect there as well. I consider myself to be a combination of new and old generation...not completely full on lazy but I enjoy tinkering and building too. And really there is even so much more beyond what FT has done...check out the Foamies Scratchbuilt section of RCGroups.
As far as the youtube content goes, here's my 2 cents...
-I, of course, loooooove the foamboard plane videos...whether it's a build or just showcasing a new design. But that's understandable I am partial to those videos.
-Quads/drones... been slow with getting into quads/drones. Don't really watch every quad/drone episode but have watched some. I see nothing wrong with keeping these videos since quads/drones have a huge market nowadays.
-Vlog videos...I am kinda "meh" with the vlog videos. Some are good, some not so much. I generally prefer the normal content over vlogs.
-Full Scale Aviation - I think it's cool that they had added this content in there as well. I don't mind watching the full scale stuff from time to time. And maybe this is wishful thinking on my part, but I kinda hope that this type of content would paint a better picture to our government officials and the FAA that us RC folks and drone operators are not a public nuisance. That we can share a good relationship with each other. Of course I understand too, that an idiot will do what an idiot wants to do.
Also, I thought Bixler's video on his Pietenpol was awesome!
I kinda feel that the store and what they offer hasn't changed or "gone downhill" but I do think their youtube content has changed up quite a bit. Not gone down hill, but just different. Looks like they're just wanting to try some different avenues to see what else works for them and the community. They've really got quite an arsenal of foamboard planes anyways so I can understand them trying some new ideas. I do go by what I said earlier though...I think maybe 1 new design a year is a pretty attainable goal. And as long as they don't go to full on crazy, I'll continue to support them.