I left AOPA as a member in the mid/late nineties again because of the political bickering going on at the time. I rejoined again a few years back after meeting the new president at the time. The efforts that he and the current president put in quietly behind the scene is well worth supporting.
Did you know how much effort that AOPA (in both Australia and NZ) are putting into getting WAAS implemented here? As GA pilots we need to get behind that initiative!
As for membership - $160 isn't a lot to pay.
Bevan..