Everybody is getting way off base here in reference to the initial question. Yes the ARRL does some good and some bad, because this is just like any other hobby. In this hobby we have the CB versus Ham mentality which seems to permeate this thread. I hope it will stop one day, because this is the type of activity that the majority of amateur radio operators don't like in the hobby and there are those who don't care about it or want to just sweep it under the rug. Which brings me to my point. It's no good for anybody to name call and bicker.
Let's get back on the subject.
The original poster asked some interesting questions and I find it funny how some people may pull the wool over ones eyes over a perceived free 3 month membership to the ARRL. If it happened, it wouldn't be that way at all, it may be that they would give you that 3 free months if you joined up. The ARRL is not doing as well for amateurs as I think they should because they don't have the billions in dollars needed to defend our little slice of the spectrum as compared to broadcasters and other big business interests. The loss of 2 Megahertz of bandwidth is minor in my eyes because we don't control the spectrum, money does, we could be wiped out tomorrow if the right voice goes to Washington and talks the FCC into giving them the spectrum.
Maybe we need to stop the bickering and the FCC will take notice. There is just too much spectrum and we are just tiny compared to all the other users out there. We could be the ant crushed by the elephant if we don't stop, because that is one possibility.
Don't be gung ho and let your license expire, or should you be involved in your community? I say be involved in some club or clubs and enjoy the brotherhood of hams as there is safety in numbers. Try to have some fun and let the crude comments slide. Get on with enjoying this hobby.
My advice, join if you may, weigh the costs and vote for the elected officials you wish, it's just like voting for a President or your local dog catcher, it is supposed to be democratic and you get who you vote for, simple as that. I dropped my membership years ago because I didn't think they did anything constructive. Join if you wish, just weigh all the pros and cons, I hope you come to the right decision for you.