As said by others on this thread, the decline started earlier, but without a doubt, Matt Ford caused the sport more problems than the contributors on this forum care to admit
I have posted similar on this forum before, only to be shot down by those 'in the know' that. Throttles never stick, cut outs always work, it's no risk. Despite the rule book stating the lanyard must be attached whilst the motor is running.
It is, after all only a rule