I think you're absolutely right. It's all about intent, and yes, to be compliant with FAA regulations, you'd need a Part 107 license to deploy a drone to inspect a roof, shoot a free promotional video for a church or charitable organization, or...
What is the pilots flight intent? Technically if you are looking at your homes roof for possible hail damage that requires a part 107, technically speaking. At least from what I have learned, maybe someone will correct me.
Photography is one of my passions. I do it for my personal enjoyment and don't aspire to sell my work or take photographs for anyone else, though I sometimes share results with friends. For me, it's a recreational pursuit. I bought and fly a...