To borrow a metaphor, I'd say that now we are just quibbling over price. :) Discussions about relative risk, externalities and the like are all very relevant when it comes to other hobbies as well.

It's just that most of the relevant conversations surrounding these things were had decades ago with other hobbies, and many hobbies probably wouldn't have a prayer of actually passing muster if they were new today - Full contact football being a good example.

This issue of legality that you raise is a good one though, and likely the most relevant, unless this guy is going out into the desert to do this.