Aaaaa...a topic on my heart's content!
Before I give THEM the money, I DEMAND to have the following info:

-explain to me "the land of the free" crap. Its gone...
-exact number of members that the AMA has (total annual revenue)
-exact number of PAID claims and the amount of $$$ surrendered by the AMA.
-pictures of the house, cars, boats, etc of the CEO, VP, and other big cats in the AMA.

Once I AM CONVINVED (not told by somebody) that is a good investment, I will give them money. As long as the field is on a PUBLIC field (not private), I will take whoever to court that will stop me from flying without an AMA card.
Just throw in some "mental handicap" excuse and the only thing that works for me is RC planes activity and some discrimination based on the exclusion factor and you will see that the AMA card is not required anymore! Been there/done it in Mesa AZ.
Only you can stop the extortion and harrassement.