Who are members of the hang gliding community? Are not hang
gliding schools, flight parks, and manufacturers also members of our community?
Is there any basic conflict of interest between them and hang glider pilots in
general?

Steve Pearson from Wills Wing writes:

I would argue that we are more accountable for the products and
services we provide than any representative association. Any school or
manufacturer who fails to provide safe products and services at a good value to
the consumer simply goes out of business. No one is compelled to to support us.
There cannot be a stable community without flight schools recruiting and
developing new pilots and we should be doing everything possible to support,
recognize and embrace the procedures of those who do it best.

Is there a conflict of interest that somehow disqualifies them from contributing
to the best interests of the community?

It is certainly in the best interest of the three parties
mentioned above to make sure that the hang gliding community is well served.
Seems more like a confluence of interest not a conflict. If you look at the
behavior of Wills Wing, for example, over the last forty one years, it is clear
that they have been successful precisely because they have served the needs of
our community well.

Look at the schools and community centered around Andy Jackson flight park in
San Bernardino, California (including Wills Wing - their testing site). With
some great support for their tractor from the Foundation for Free Flight, the
community has been able to significantly increase their membership and
enjoyment.

http://foundationforfreeflight.org/assets-articles/2007 Aug - Andy Jackson
Airpark CA.pdf

We need the hang glider manufacturers, the schools, the flight parks, our local
clubs, and our national and international associations. All of them are
important to keep our sport viable and growing. Grow the business and grow the
sport.