Just popped back in here to see how this thread is going, mainly over concern and interest in this subject.
Look i get some people don't agree with the current laws (me included to some extent) but what I am concerned about more is trying to give helpful advice for people to be safe under the current laws to prevent accidents.
Let me give you an example. Before I was qualified I used to fly my Phantom along a very quiet local beach. Nobody around so I thought ok to fly. After doing my CASA training and learned how to read VNC maps I was shocked to find that most of the airspace in my local area is controlled. Most of it is R rated meaning restricted. I found out that to mean military training flights after looking up the ERSA. I also found out that the beach is in a VFR flight path (visual flight rules), meaning there would be light aircraft in the area. Now had I gone up to 1500 feet as you're suggesting even with nobody around I would have been in a whole heap of trouble if something had happened. Fortunately I didn't go above 400ft and never have, but at least now I know that it is important to be aware of your surroundings even if nobody is around. You really need to know if the airspace you're in is controlled or not if you're flying at that height, despite the fact that we're limited to 400ft AGL (but let's not go there).
I know I was comparing apples to bicycles earlier but it was simply a vague analogy to help people understand. From what people have stated since I guess it's a bit like the excess on your car insurance, you still pay a bit even if you're insured. I also understand that there are different rules for different countries - I can only comment on what I know of Australian law.
Insurance aside, someone also stated earlier something like that it is hard to go to jail for anything to do with drones. Sorry but I disagree, I would hate to be the first person to bring down a manned plane even by accident, because I am sure the FAA etc wouldn't be impressed. After all, the FAA/CASA etc all state ignorance is no excuse. It's hard to say what legal ramifications of bringing down a manned aircraft may be but I am sure it won't be pretty. You just have to look at all the news articles about people flying near airports to see that dangerous flights aren't tolerated. I really hope that never happens for all of our sakes.
As for my earlier posts, I'm no policeman, just a CASA certified pilot trying to offer informed advice on a forum, which is what forums are for. At the end of the day you take your risks, it's your life mate. No harm intended.