RE: Wow, some of you are very bitter toward the AMA
I like the AMA because it sanctions contests, maintains the rules we want to compete under, recognizes national records, etc. That's the main benefit for me. It has also contributed money to one of my clubs for field upgrades. It paid me for a couple of articles in Model Aviation. However, I really wish headquarters would put some focus on informing the general public about model aviation, so I'm not completely sanguine.
If you don't think the AMA contributes enjoyment worth $58/yr to your model aviation activities; then it is reasonable not to be a member. But, if so, it is not reasonable to expect to enjoy the specific benefits we AMA members pay for.