RE: Would you still be a member of AMA if it was not a requirement of your club?
Yes - I support and respect the original goals of the organization. Hell, half the time I am a walking AMA billboard with all of the jackets, polos, hats, mugs, my money clip, etc.
However, I also reserve the right (even as a lifetime member) to extricate myself should I find the organization no longer in line with my hobby or my strong belief in education.