I just joined a club that has a $100 initiation fee, plus $50 for the first year.I have no complaints about paying it. New members, particularly members who are new to to the hobby, require a lot of care and feeding from experienced members. The aforementioned "inspection service" is invaluable, and can easily save a plane that costs well more than $150. The first airplane I built 20 years ago had negative dihedral, because I installed the spar upside down. I would have tried to fly it, if some of the more experienced models had not talked me out of it. The flight training and advice that a new modeler gets in the first few months is priceless. The experienced members who provide this mentorship do not get paid a dime for their time, but at least they know that the club has some more funds to keep things running.

When I joined my new club, I already had several years of experience under my belt. However was returning after a 20 years hiatus, I was therefore rusty, and lost with many of the changes that have taken place (2,4 Ghz radios and LiPo batteries were not even an idea back then.) I therefore benefited a great deal from one of the officers who got me back up to speed.

I also agree with combatpigg's comments, above and beyond the points I mentioned!