What Mike is suggesting would be a reasonable alternative to what the FAA is proposing if in fact big business is the "sole" reason behind the FAA proposal....
My gut tells me the "main" reason for the FAA proposal is to placate the pilots out there flying actual aircraft.
The news media in its desire to make money has given the FAA the perfect scape goat (i.e. UAS pilots) as a solution to the problem.
Unfortunately the growing number of thoughtless UAS pilots flying near air ports and fire fighting operations gives the FAA all reason necessary to propose such a harsh solution.