Y'all,
Over 35 years in a club and I have found that the ethics of the board and
officers are critical.

By laws can be written and re-written to provide 'required' flight time for
a favored few. Expense to my club is now over $500 per month.

On short notice bylaws may be re-written to require anyone
running for office to have attended all meetings of the previous year..

By-laws may make it possible for removal from the club without
cause. Member may be informed (by phone) that attendence to club meetings
will cause removal.

Waiting list is a joke. Membership selection is based on income over all
other considerations other than nepotism.

Maintenance officers may lie to pilots by telling them it is o.k. to fly an
aircraft that the FAA would call un-airworthy. The
critical element is that the pilot is putting his license at risk. The
insurance company will void any insurance claims from such an aircraft.
Depending on legal interpretations the total membership can be liable for
any accident far beyond the value of the club.

Been there, seen that.

Gene Whitt