J R I invite you to the largest public field here in Houston, called Scobee Field named after Dick Scobee the shuttle pilot that died in the first shuttle crash. Over the gateway it clearly states that you must have an AMA LICENSE to fly at the facility and should you ask any of the regular pilots that fly there they will tell you that you need a "license". It is the word "license" that puts off these new fliers, they have enough trouble managing their lives on a day to day basis, they (the neebee) does not want to deal with another invasion on their life to fly a model plane.
I would guess that you are rather well known at your local, as well as other, flying fields in your area. Come to Houston, I will take you to Houston and you better have your "AMA LICENSE" or you won't fly except on a buddy box. FYI-I haven't been asked for my either in probably 20 years.

Hopefully the issue about the cost of dues or the yearly cost of AMA as discussed in other postings, not yours, is not a deterrent to existing members. Any ACTIVE member who spends the kind of money we spend on our hobby should quit the hobby if 50 plus dollars in out of their reach. As someone else stated about Houston, a Suburban (mine) takes $60 just to fill up. None the less I still think we need to find a place in the AMA for these new folks, as originally stated, the future of the hobby.
Thanks,
Ed