You have some information incorrect. However, I don't have the time to correct right now, I'm sure others will. My opinion is: of the magazines I get or have gotten I like Model Aviation the best. I'm interested in all aspects of model aviation. That's me though. I could divide up what your getting from your $58.00 yearly dues, to the rediculous and I am confident for myself, I feel it is a small expense compaired to the benefits.
Competition would be fine. However, I'd still stay with the AMA!
The DVDs were $9.00 for the original and $19.00? there after. You did not have to pay for it, as it was unsolicited mail. Also, you could have returned at no charge, except your time to do so. I thought this project this was a mistake on the AMA's part and created a lot of ill will towards the AMA! I think it was handled by a marketing company, however, it just did not go over very well.
I don't know what people expect for $58.00. In 1975 when I first joined AMA, dues (I believe) were around $25.00. With inflation since that time, this works out to just under $100.00 so in actuality your dues are less expensive now then they were back then. Still, if you don't feel they are worth it, then don't pay them! AMA is not a monopoly! More people are flying R/C airplanes today, then have ever in the past and a significant proportion of them are not members of the AMA! If your club requires you to be a member, then it is the club's requirement and not the AMA.
Pretty much my point of view. This thing about the AMA being a monopoly is getting old and rather funny. That's like saying that AAA has a monopoly on car tows since since just about every tow company utilizes their service. But it's only your choice to utilize AAA tow service and the tow companies choice to utilize AAA as a broker/charter. You can still simply pay to tow your own car, just like you can simply go fly in many places without having an AMA card. Where I live I can simply just call a school and ask to fly on their football field or schoolyard and in most cases they will say "sure" as long as you do it safe, how hard was that? Has anyone else even tried doing that?? In fact I don't recall being told no one time. This includes gas and glow planes too, not just electric. Monopoly??? Where???
If you are led to believe that AMA is a monopoly, you simply are just oversold by their sales tactics. Can't really blame them for "selling" to an easy crowd. As far as a competitor coming along, really not that hard to put together, but the problem is that there is an obvious withdraw from anyone needing flying insurance if you can simply utilize your homeowners or rentors insurance. The AMA put together a nice package together for $58, especially the magazine, bar none the best in the industry. The only well rounded magazine chock filled with information and ads. The biggest problem is that most wants ALL the AMA perks and magazine articles to work and revolve around themselves and not for others. Most forget the other stuff the AMA does because it doesn't come in their mailbox every month.