Got to agree the visitor policy is bizzare. Anything that gets cash behind the bar can only be good given how often the caterers bail out. I understand the policy started when certain members could not get a seat because of 'outsiders' If the club members didn't drape their coats and bags over every spare chair then stand at the bar all day the issue may be different.
You could always say you are thinking of learning to fly and want some information. That should get you past the gatekeepers. You could also join as a social member, or say you are on your way to pay your landing fee- that will throw them.
I must say they have become much more customer focussed recently having got rid of several of their sales prevention tools. (Quote often heard: "You can only fly here if you are good enough....")