Jim,
I am an infant in the AMA compared to you. However like you I am a proud, card carrying, sticker sticking, dues paying, and magazine reading member. I have gotten way more from this AMA than I did from the motorcycle one. I get more from AMA than I did all my SCCA or NASCAR memberships. Therefore I am also of the same mind as my freind from the left coast "if $58 keeps them on the job" then thats ok by me. Shoot I drink that in a good week of building[>:].
GG, Sadly I may feel the same as you if I were in the same sitch, but the support of everyone involved in this hobby keeps some semblance of order and unity. The person from the big state is NOT an example of what the people I have come in contact with at AMA. My district VP is also a clubmate whose ear I have anytime I need. My questions directly to the top in AMA have yeilded concise and polite answers even when I may have come across in a confrontational tone. My experience with AMA has been 100% positive and professional. Very different to what the guy from the big state has demonstrated, hence my ballot.
BB, Tower discounts[X(]? Right on MAN! I knew there was a reason I didn't shop there too much anymore the LHS has helped me the last few years in the sign three fly free program.

I use it for my 6yr old son.