First, I am not trying to imply or infer that it is or isn't worth it in any way.
I am a newbie who is trying to decide what I should do.
Now, on to the business at hand. Local club membership is $100 a year. THis club is very nice, nice 300' paved runway in the middle of nowhere with a good sized lake to fly floats off of as well. They have two riding mowers to maintain the grassy areas of the field along with a heated shelter for inclement weather and a small boat for rescuing float planes that had an errant flight/landing. One of the conditions for joining is AMA membership, so total to join club is actually$160 or so dollars a year! My Chief Financial Officer ( Wife ) is not happy about the $$$$ coming out of the "company" funds. Well In my opinion the club is worth the $100. I have no choice but to join the AMA if I want to join.

Club two is not so great, they have a great field but thats it... THey will let anyone fly as long as they have AMA membership.

THird option is: I live in South Dakota, in the middle of nowhere. I have plenty of wide open spaces away from any potential accidents with property/cars/people. Just won't have a nice paved runway.
So far I have flown my trainer by myself with no mishaps except a lil erratic flight.( experienced: 6000 + hours of time in the real deal ) this was done in a cow pasture about 15 miles from the next living person. SO if I stick with this option i sthe AMA worth it to me? I'm not interested in competitive flying or Fly In's or really flying in front of anyone. I enjoy R/C planes just the way I've been doing it. So what do you guys think? Tell me why AMA would be good or not.