This is a very interesting topic and seems to be a battle between the well grounded engineers (who studied their butts off for years and then worked their butts off to gain years of experience, so please respect their comments and advice) and the dreamers. Please also remember that most engineers are dreamers too and this is usually the reason why they studied engineering, in an attempt to realize these dreams, efficiently and safely). For the dreamers without a lot of background knowledge, use the inputs from the guys with knowledge and experience. You don't have to believe everything they say either and you can try to prove or disprove theories as you seem fit. Often dreamers stumble upon new ideas and concepts and break through to a new level. For entire projects though, this is often accompanied by sound advice from professionals. Einstein did not go through life thinking Newton was an uneducated toad, he realized Newton's contributions and added to them and molded them into a new more complete understanding of the universe.
For the dreamers who are serious about new designs or ideas, first learn a little design or ideation methodology. Have your idea, make sure you understand the idea and the requirements. Break it into simpler parts. Do some feasibility analysis of different concepts. Find solutions to each part (with or without help is up to you). Put it together and solve the entire problem. Double check everything. Put the plan into action. Keep people here up to date with your progress so that everyone knows where you are and where you're heading. Finding a plan on the internet could be like finding other "miracle cures" on the internet. There may also be good work in an interent plan, but use it wisely and question it, just as you question the experts here.
Let's see some brainstorms on here, I mean real diagrams, ideas, feasibility studies. Attach the work you've done. Ask questions like: Should I consider carbon fibre, because while reading about fracture mechanics, I learned... or: How can we model the drag of the rotor if I use these dimensions or this airfoil? What sort of powerplant would be a good option and what fuel does it use and how can I store this fuel? etc. You can argue all you like, but if a dream is to become a design, you have to put some work on the table. Let the critics dissect it and learn and grow and oppose too. This is the best way to move forward with any design.
This is just my 2 cents and an attempt to be neutral and helpful to all parties concerned. I hope this makes the following progress smoother.
In hoping for a brighter future with new designs, that are better than the last.
