$450 is a heck of a lot of money to put up for a lifetime membership for most members I would suppose. With the rising cost of necessities like fuel oil, home prices, apt. rents, car purchases, food, etc. plus continuing layoffs of jobs that are outsourcing it looks like even the cost of belonging to a hobby club is going the same route. I have been in the club for 9 years and just renewed my $20 yearly membership. I could not afford the $300 lifetime bit and I am sure with the rising cost of necessities there will be fewer takers of the $450 fee, that is some serious moolah to put out to be a lifetime member of a hobby interest, in my OPINION!