This has been interesting.
1. The amateur radio hobby/community-service really does need representation at the FCC level.
With exception, I am not sure that the ARRL fulfills that role. Getting the PRB-1 "antenna ordinance preemption law" through was a good thing but "good things" accomplished over 20 years can be counted on one hand. I think the "elitist" comments here are valid - if the elite had their way we would still have a CW requirement and they would likely want to add a semaphore flag requirement (they learned it in the Boyscouts slightly after the Crimean War). We need some young blood to protect our Ham spectrum and support an orderly infusion of new technology (honest guys, glowing tubes are really not needed anymore).
2. QST can occasionally be an interesting read.
Yep, so why was it pulled from the news stands? Because membership dues are paying the management's (and "support personnel") salaries so if you want the magazine you have to pay the salaries and benefits of the eletists and their minions.
3. Some retailers offer discounts to ARRL members.
Yep, really good discounts too - so when we wanted to buy a few Honda EU2000i1A1 generators from Mayberry for power back-up support of our Community Emergency Communications Team, we had to buy a membership for one of our members. Well, I guess we will pass around the QST for the next year and the generator discount therefore pays for the "membership" (what is wrong with this picture?).
The ARRL has become a good publishing company that has an interesting if somewhat "detached" history.
