I can see the point that this could create some perception issues with people who don't bother to look beyond the ads. I think that's a small concern, but I'll agree it's a concern.

Since it was brought up and I'm a fan of full disclosure, I have not been asked by anyone to take a particular position on any issue, AMA or otherwise. The attitude of the management at RCU is that mods are forum members first and are free to express their opinions as long as they follow the community guidelines. I see many things the AMA does well, some that I think they miss the boat on. I've been in their position before though (not with aeromodeling) where I had to sit in closed meeting and make hard decisions with a committee about the direction of an organization. Then I had to deal with the court of public opinion as people who weren't aware of the nuances of the situation had knee jerk reactions. Sometimes the right direction failed because the group didn't see the need or just didn't want to see change. I've been on the receiving end of the unfair criticism and complaints, the accusations of corruption and collusion with "enemies," the perception that I've forgotten the organization's purpose simply because I saw a new opportunity and wanted to take a shot at it. Unless there is compelling evidence to the contrary, it's a safe bet that the executive council or other leadership team of any organization is working for the overall good of the organization. That doesn't make them infallible, but it does make them the ones doing the research and asking the hard questions. They will get it right more than they get it wrong. So I approach news like this with an attitude that it's for the good of the organization and the hobby in general, and then ask if there is a clear way that's the case. I don't approach it with an attitude that if it's new it must be bad or with suspicion toward our leadership.
In this case, the AMA has engaged in a little side business to make money from commercial drone pilots. Given the revenue trends and the general decline of RC flying nationally, it's probably necessary to find some new income. Nothing has been changed about AMA activities or the budget, Nothing has been changed about the bylaws or roles of officers. The AMA is 99% the same as it was before drones even were a part of our hobby. Yet some are preaching the end of all that is holy based solely on the fact that the AMA saw an income opportunity and went for it. What they are doing is perfectly legal (BTW, is anybody actually so dense as to think the EC would have moved forward on this without checking with the AMA's lawyer to make sure it was kosher?) and may result in an increase in membership. If it does, the EC will revisit the situation in a couple of years and have those hard conversations again to see how they can use that leverage to further advance the AMA's purpose. They won't get it right every time, but they will be working for the good of the organization and the hobby in general.