The ARRL is not a necessary institution these days. It is self-propagating,
demands hefty dues and represents less than half of the licensed Amateurs in
the United States.
Besides, what does one get for the $40.00 per annum (or is it more?) fee? A
glossy magazine rife with advertisements? Admission to 'private' sections of
the ARRL web site? A monthly 'bulletin' sent to your email address? (more
spam)
Oh, wait. ARRL members get to vote on proposed rule changes, too. As if the
FCC has ever given that much credence.

I guess there are still some old warhorses out and about who feel that it is
a mark of distinction to have the ARRL logo on their QSL cards...especially
those who boast of being part of the elite few, the proud, the Life Members.

One could likewise spend their Amateur Radio $$ on bigger and better things,
such as paying good money after bad to join the Ten Ten Club, yet another
wasteful expenditure of hard-earned money. Why not start a Twenty-Twenty
Club? One could double the dues paid to the Ten Ten Club and claim twice the
elitism.
The Twenty-Twenty Club could do as the Ten-Tenners do...refuse to speak with
those not a member of their snooty group. Double the frequency, double the
elitism.

CQ Contest, anyone?