I still fly regularly.
Because it's winter, I fly from my car, and while doing so restricts the range, it's much better than freezing.
I think that the public is not as worked up about drones as the media wants to believe they have influenced people to be.
I have had several encounters with people over the last two years since getting into this. None of them were hostile, and most were simply curious. Once a park ranger came up to me to check it out. He gave me no grief, and you could tell he'd be buying one soon. Others, act like ostriches.
I live by a large lake. I was once chased off by a 'Sheep Dog", and agent of the corp of engineers. Later, I realized I was chased off because I was near their campgrounds. I stay away from the campgrounds, and all is good again. Over the years, I have paid 10s of thousands of dollars for property tax at the lake. I tolerate early morning bass tournaments, jet skis, fireworks, petroleum pollution, littering, and gun shots. If need be, I'll stand just outside their property, but I'll fly over the class G airspace. It's legal. I have rights, and I have paid my dues.
I think to a large extent, we have created the paranoia, and are overly sensitive to what the general public has no real interest in. When I ask the people I work with what they think of Gatwick, or the Newark airport incidents, they have no idea what I'm talking about.
I do think we have a responsibility to fly safe. I know the rules. I play by most of the rules most of the time. Still, I enjoy using the
DJI goggles, but I don't use a spotter.
I am very conscientious of risk and reward. After all, it's just video.
Be respectful. Don't take unnecessary chances. Enjoy the hobby we got into with no ill intent. Don't let them chase you back in of doors.