I remember back in the 1970's people complaining about the cost, what was it then? $24.95 US if I remember right.
With inflation, the rising cost of insurance, and other incidental costs the current cost at $58.00 is cheaper than if we factored in all the real costs. So technically the cost has been lower than inflation all these years. I figure it might be $125.00 or more if everything was factored in.

But anyway, the argument that it costs too much, is way overused and overrated. People were complaining about it many years ago.
it never changes. Same old tired argument over and over again. it never changes.


Everything nowadays requires membership to compete in whatever it is you want to compete in.
Ice skating, firearms, automobile racing, motorcycle racing, custom car shows, ad infintum. With some of these events you needed multiple membership in more than one organization too. Like Drag Racing for example.

I do remember some renegade flyers doing .15 size RC combat someplace out here. That was the only thing I think of where they didn't have to join the AMA. At least for now.