Agreed. Been flying Phantoms for 4 years and have never felt the need to hand launch or catch. Much easier to learn to land safely than to catch safely. Too many things can go wrong when hand catching.Like everything in life ... we can all present our views in various forms ... I am an advocate of land when possible, avoid hand catching unless necessary. I have been in and seen too many events where props have caused injury. From small 4" up to huge 22" props ... NONE are safe when they 'bite'.
Nigel
Been flying RC for 18 years and suffered my first case of prop bite this summer. Believe me it is no fun! Since then, I am even nervous about reaching between the props to shut off the battery of my Phantom.
That said, I do not advocate intentionally placing my hand anywhere near the moving props of an airborne drone. And keeping the dirt and grime out of your drone can always be accomplished other ways.