Posted this is in wrong thread. Here is my take.

I can do a quick take analysis, based on the AMA's mission statement and membership benefits.

1. I can buy many RC based magazine which rivals MA for sheer content.
2. My homeowners covers me if I damage or hurt someone with my plane. In fact the AMA's insurance is only secondary and will not cover at all unless my primary insurance refuses to do so, but even then it will be questionable.
3. I'm hosting a flying event down at my local park this weekend which does not require AMA insurance and where you are allowed to fly RC aircraft.
4. I can walk out my back door and fly a RC airplane any size, shape or form that I choose, nobody is going to stop or control me.
5. I promote the hobby for a living and the AMA has nothing to do with it. You can too if you wish, nobody is stopping me, why would they stop you? In fact I have support from FAA, EAA, AOPA, AEC and Dept of Education and many other agencies.
6. I've acquired and spent about $40,000 this year from a grants and foundations to fuel youth aviation programs. More then the AMA did. They supported the hobby in their own way.

Most the other benefits of the AMA are, well, member benefits and only applicable to be a member of their club, but that's what makes the AMA a club like many other types of clubs.

Go ahead and "think" the AMA is a monopoly, it's better for a lot of you. Dependency is an important thing to a lot of people. Def better for the AMA.