Where can I find the rules as to where I can fly a plane other than current airstrips?
You're right. Why bother with the AMA at all, so long as I can still fly? Don't say that too loudly though, or the AMA membership may just take you up on that idea.
I've spoken to several flyers at the hobby store and they universally pan the AMA. 3 out of the 4 I've talked to admitted they are AMA members only because the local club demands it.
What the AMA needs to do is design a membership that people WANT to join, with tangible benefits and far better steering from HQ. Right now it's pretty obvious that AMA membership offers nothing to interest people in WANTING to join rather than just forcing them to, to be able to fly.
And since we HAVE to join (to fly nearly anywhere), they don't really care if we like our membership, just that they get their money for playing Wall Street Mogul and build museums to thier own ego.
A magazine and insurance that will never pay out is all they have to offer at the moment to your average hobby guy. Not much for your cash. Try to scare you into believing you need their insurance to keep you paying dues.