I think you are close to being right about that one LCS. I think whatever the AMA mandated would be the best way because the way I see it the AMA does not have a lot of problems internally. Let alone the fact that I support any organization I am a member of, or believe in. 70 years of trial and error typically has it's best solutions forward.

I know the core of the problem comes from the outside of the AMA, not inside. The reason I know this is because I've been to many AMA events and I've been to many AOPA and EAA events and I've seen the differences first hand. Don't go blaming the AMA for it's downfall, blame the people who don't do anything to make it better and then there are members that totally oppose it's existence. Of course not everyone is a bad seed in this org, but the problem is that there are just too many of them. Maybe even myself included and I recognize that, sometimes we all get in a bit over our heads on this forum. But the fact of the matter is that our hobby does not end at just flying, there is work involved to preserve it's future. Support for the org, both good and bad, comes first and should be that way for all members.

The AMA is supposed to provide us with tools, which they do and then some, we are the ones supposed to be doing MOST of the work, not them, bottom line.

Oh and the safest solution for memberships is the one they have in place. I'm sure a lot of that has to do with the price the AMA pays for their insurance as well. The insurance providers have a lot of pull in how flexible the AMA can be for membership sign up policies.