OK I just
had to do that!
Obviously everyone has had different experiences in the WBCCI. Not everyone has access to the most popular and happening units. Spending 75 dollars and joining a unit you are too far to travel to attend unit events, even at the savings of spending only 56 dollars, is still only marginally better than spending it not to attend unit events in your immediate vicinity.
I think the best way to reconcile the opinions at odds is to consider the sources, the localities, the units, the personalities and offer a hearing ear and make strides to become more appealing and try some change. I have yet to come to understand what could possibly go so horribly wrong as to not allow for spontaneity and experimentation. Who has fun duplicating a course of same action year in and year out and not changing with the times and accepting younger and newer generations and their priorities and interests? ANSWER: Some old fogies, of which there happen to be a lot of within the WBCCI. If you have been fortunate enough to escape abuse then consider yourself lucky and don't talk disparagingly to those that have already experienced generational shock and abuse, that does exist. If you have had experience and moved on, show some empathy for the newly disillusioned and remember when and what happened to you back when... They don't have two heads, we know EXACTLY what they feel and are talking about. A little support towards others that are not able to enjoy your unit and experiences without condescending comments amounting to their own failings to have fun would be more honest and welcoming.