No one really takes the ARRL seriously anymore. They are a PRIVATE business just like AARP and AAA Auto Club. Selling old books, key chains, propeller hats and services you will never use nor need.
They are stuck in the 19th century, books still contain TUBE projects. The ARRL does VERY LITTLE for HAM radio in general.You have to PAY to use their repeater directory or buy one fresh off the press with outdated information in it.
The publications are chock full of PAID Advertisements, they "Shill" for anyone willing to PAY to be in them.
The ARRL will be quick to tell you what you CAN'T DO...and nowhere to be found when you need them to protect our interest (Like PAVPAWS in California).ARRL wants your 900Mhz repeaters on a insane split (That Icom came up with) because they are a customer, the rest of us use converted commercial gear on 902/927Mhz.People flock to the INTERNET for recent Repeater listings, NOT the OFFICIAL (in their mind) ARRL Repeater Directory. In MY OPINION..the ARRL is a lot like the old cartoons "Heckle & Jeckle"...nonsense talking Magpies....
Kirk