I am against "pay to play". I would personally encourage people who 
participate in the Society to become members of the SCA, Inc. because it 
gets you the newsletters, a discount on Pennsic, pays for the insurance, 
and it speeds up check-in at events (flashing your blue card instead of 
signing a waver).  I would not insist than anyone become a member; I was 
a graduate student once and know that an SCA membership can equal a 
week's worth of groceries.  I'd be happier about encouraging people to 
become members if the rates were lower, or if the home group received 
some direct financial benefit when people joined.  For more than a 
quarter of a century the only requirement for participation has been an 
attempt at pre-17th century clothing. It was draconian of the Board to 
change the rules so suddenly.  However, I agree with the current 
standards of requiring membership for officers (including royalty).
