I think a recent PBS program brought this up as a theory, in addition to hoaxing of course. I'll have to look into those topics. You must have watched Arthur C. Clarke. He seemed to like the ball lightning explanation for a lot of stuff. A point that has been totally overlooked with respect to crop circles is the artistic merit in the design of many of them.
Some urban graffiti has artistic merit, also.
To the farmers whose fields are being carved up, crop circles are little more than rural graffiti, though it can't be denied that some of these designs are very clever, well executed, clear and rich with deep symbolic meaning and worthy of a much higher place in the New World Order. The merit of these designs has been totally squashed flat by the arguments between the Skeptics and the Believers. This is a pity. I just wish people would enjoy them and not get so flustered. Any tips on how to decrease flustering are greatly appreciated.