I'm also fairly new here (6 months or so of flying) and I'll hafta agree with nullibiscuits. Some of the older guys are content at our field with the status quo. I'm 56, but would like to see some new members encouraged to join our group. Change usually ends up good for all concerned, no matter how much the conformists gripe about it.
As far as the AMA is concerned, I just pay the $58 and forget about it. Hell, it costs that much anymore just for a tank of gas in the car, and you don't get free gasoline magazines all year either. LOL
Ronnie-The Toolman