I have never been a CM, but I have been a trainer in Warbirds, so I am familiar with the extra time sacrifices these positions sometime call for.
Personally I think the CM team is doing a great job, and I appreciate very much all the work and volunteering initiatives that go into the events .. I know much of it takes place even before they start.
On the first frame of operation mercury my squad was rtb, about 2 minutes out from landing, when suddenly the fuel modifier was changed to the highest burn rate and most had to ditch just short of landing safely.
While I agree it was amusing to watch, I would rather have all land safely. This goes hand in hand with the mentality we preach to our squaddies when attending these events: disciplined flying and the importance of surviving to return alive.
I can garauntee my squad's adherence to orders, if called to rtb, we will rtb. Bottom line is that I'd really like to see CM's being more flexible with us.. if you see we are already rtb... please let us land. I can vouch for my squad that nobody will abuse this.
Kindly,