Sounds like something went badly wrong at the upper management levels of AOPA.
AOPA didn't have a member on FCL.008, soaringhigh650, despite requests to be allowed one - which was a singular bone of contention. The UK reps on FCL.088 did not represent our national position adequately, hence the current situation.
I suggest that you do a little more research before casting further erroneous aspersions....