Yeah, think about it.
What do we look like to everyone who doesn't know about airsoft...?
A. (Scary) Big kids playing soldiers in the woods. (damaging the environment)
B. The UK version of Republican gun loving prepper red neck wanabees
Reenactors are regarded more highly because they are like historical actors who entertain and also benefit charities.
I think if airsoft were more involved with charity work ie rasing funds with competitions etc we 'd have more of an argument that we are beneficial to society.