Edward, I agree with your thoughts and have something to add. I received black powder artillery training at a nearby NPS site and received a "certification". When I attend a re-enactment (rare these days), I do not know which gun crews are well trained and which ones are downright dangerous. A nearby SCV camp has three well made authentic 12 pound howitzers. I have left more than one fundraiser event when they began inviting boys as young as 9 years old (no prior experience) to walk up and pull the lanyard.