It seems to me that several great ideas have been generated by this thread. And IMHO, a couple bad ones too.
I personally believe that a differentiation between the term "drones" and MRs/UAV/Aerial Platform etc needs to be made. And that is the sort of grassroots move that can be started on a forum like this. Many of us may have taken the easy path of simply using the term drone when speaking to non-pilots and the uninitiated. I have done this out of laziness, knowing it could move the conversation along. In the past, a thread regarding the terms used for our craft showed a sentiment of "it's too late to change the perception at this point" mentality - which I think is now coming back to bite us in the a**. The time it takes to set the term straight, and inform each individual who presents themselves to us, is time well spent and one more person educated and less likey to believe everything they see on TV.
The value of separating the "classes" of sUAS seems paramount, whether that be by size, intended uses, acceptable flight zones or all of the above. To allow the FAA to blanket categorize hobby with commercial, small aerial video MR with drone capable of targeting, is a great disservice to all of us, and any potential for small scale commercial growth. Anything we can do to to help clarify this can only help shape the debate.
The idea that I think could do the most damage is believing that commenting or speaking out about this will have absutely no effect. While I've been know. To be somewhat pessimistic - in a situation like this, I feel that our voices (especially en masse) can carry some weight in shaping the conversation. Much like the perception about voting, letting your voice be heard may help sway the electorate - or may steer the topic of debate.
While it may not have the same effect as a proper PAC or lawyers would, it could enable our lobby (at this point , seems like solely the AMA) to have one more bit of ammunition in their arsenal. At very least, the time it takes to craft a well worded explanation of where you stand certainly can't hurt.
The last thing I'll say is that joining the AMA is a great idea. They have been helping protect and develop the hobby for so long, and at times like these, when we see first hand what could happen without collective voice, it's all the more reason to sign up and help strengthen an organization that can use every bit of help it can get. That alone would make it worth it - not to mention the insurance and access to flight fields you otherwise would be without.
Just my 2.37¢