Hula, when you answer my question, you could for the benefit of J3pipercub and others explain the ethics of forcing a pilot to join a union (the most expensive union by far, to boot) to access a Loss of Licence insurance product.
Joining the AFAP is just part of the cost of joining the MBF, if that then makes it too expensive for what it pays out then don't join and sign up with an insurer such as CommInsure instead. You don't have to use the AFAP while you are a member.
Is it ethical to force a pilot a to join a Union? No it is not, and that is why no one is forcing them to join. If they want to be able to access a product only available to members, then they will need to join.
The MBF is not an insurance product, it is a Mutual Benefit Fund (MBF). It was created by AFAP members for AFAP members.