You're showing your age, model.flyer. Things have changed. Too many CDs for each to get a 3-digit #, so 4 digits have been awarded for years. Some CDs don't want to change so their numbers remain same.
Two-digit #s are up for grabs, when they become available. No requirement other than being "...fustest with the mostest."

Back in the '50s, I had a low 5 digit # 3XXXX. Became a CD in '63. Asked for any combination of 1, 4, or 7. Back then all competitors painted the AMA # on the wing. (1, 4, and/or 7 is easy to paint) Well, I got 539, [:'(] and that is not so easy to paint. [&o]

When I became a LIFE member #93 was available so I took that, thus AMA L-93. I noticed some time ago that a lower # was awarded a new life member.

So while lower numbers may indicate some advanced seniority and or experience, it may just as well indicate less. The only thing that may really be illustrated is the dedication to the sport through AMA membership, which is more a personal thing. Some like Miller Lite, I prefer a Bud Light, but either will do in most cases, especially if you're buying!

So far the only AMA # problem is in littlecrankshaf's mind. He seems to expound adequate rhetoric concerning such. OTOH, you can't trust him because on one hand he says, "Yes...and the lower your number the more credibility you have. If you have a three digit number you are almost god like. With a 2 digit number you are truly divine." and then in some of his posts he has stated remarks strongly indicating he just possibly could well doubt Hossfly's divinity. So hard to figure that 'lcs' fellow!