This guff that AMA dues are prohibitively expensive is just sheer stupidity. My AMA dues are roughly the equivalent of a roll of covering, a can of fuel, and a spare prop or two at the hobby shop. Anyone who flies at a field without membership that AMA had anything to do with building is a freeloader.
For "renegades" who have a place to fly and don't need AMA's help, that's fine and dandy for you. I hope you enjoy yourself, but don't expect to come to an AMA compliant field and get treated like welcome guests.
AMA is dirt cheap for the good it does the hobby. It's tough to get immature guys to think of that, due to the instant gratification and selfishness traits mentioned above. Others have supported the AMA which makes the hobby far easier and safer for you than it would have been. How about doing your part now to support it for those who will come after you?