Bill, As a Cubscout leader, I work with boys in grades 1 - 5. I've used a large 4" rocket with 3 removable fins labeled "Leaders", "Scouts", and "Parents" to show how all three are needed to keep a Pack and Den 'flying straight'. It's always been a big hit and draws questions about whether or not it is real, etc. So, most of the parents in the Pack I lead know I fly rockets.
With that disclaimer, since the show has aired I have received many comments from parents about the 'rocket show'. Several have alerted me to it in case I did not know about it, others have asked if I've been to a launch like that (yes - both LDRS 21 & 22). Even more importantly, several have asked if we could have a Pack sponsored launch so the boys could fly their own rockets. At a family campout just this past weekend, I had several more parents mention they saw they saw the show. One den leader even wondered if I could do a demo launch at the campout.
Not a single one of them made any kind of a negative comment, or remarked that it looked dangerous, or anything like that. The fact that I now have had requests to do a Scout launch indicates just the opposite - the show did just what we hoped - it sparked interest in rocketry, and will lead to newcomers to the hobby. Admittedly, the group I'm dealing with aren't going to be HPR enthusiasts any time soon (although their parents might be), they are getting started. While I am careful not to over do it, if someone seems interested, I'm willing to take the time to fill them in on the details of flying HPR rockets, and invite them to a launch.
Of course, you could make the case that they were all being polite by not saying that they thought it looked dangerous, but trust me, parents these days are not above voicing their opinion about anything. Also, the fact that several now want me to do a Pack launch seems to indicate otherwise.
As far as danger, I think Ray hit it on the head. Spectators have been killed at car races, air shows, even a hockey game. Yet, these activities continue. As long as we make folks aware of the danger, rocketry is certainly as safe as any other 'spectator' sport.
As a counter example, around here electric and gas powered 'scooters' are all the rage. Many can go up to 15 - 20 mph and are ridden by grade-schoolers. There was endless discussion about the dangers involved, but many of the parents seemed resigned that every activity comes with some risk.
So, I would have to say that at least in my experience, the show has been everything but hurtful. I will have a Scout launch this spring, and will do what I can to draw in those who are interested. I have copies of my LDRS 21 DVD that I loan out to those who show more than a passing interest. (For example, my son's 4th grade teacher married an aeronautical engineer, so I gave him a DVD since he seemed interested.)
Even if some who see the show are turned off by it, the benefits of the show far outweigh the negatives. Those who think it's dangerous from watching the show would probably never think the hobby is very safe, while those who found the show exciting may just be the next NAR or TRA member.
Cordially
Tony Huet.