I know I'm cheap. But, I can think of other things to spend the $24 on..
So can they! Like a bureaucratic
Model Aviation staff.
Under the requirements of AMA/Club operations, memberships for 1 year from date of joining simply will not work. It would work well at AMA, however clubs would be totally out of control. Even now the paperwork for club officers is far too monumental for guys that do this as a support of the hobby/sport.
Join in Jan. each year and keep it coming all year.