First off, not to get into a war with anyone on this BB, I think there are TWO separate issues here.
FIRST, anyone who is a member of the club and thinks these records are worthless should NOT be a member! We are afterall supposed to be an "educational" club and what better way to "educate" than to learn from history. The information on dates ordered would help us to "date" the approximate use of a chip and the quantity information would help place "values" on the chips as well since we'd have some idea how many may potentially be "out there". Early ownerships may also be attributed by these records.
Now for point TWO. On the subject of WHO pays for them, I really do feel the club should get involved in purchasing them if possible and not too expensive so that ALL members can have access to them at no cost (would be a perk of membership in the club). If, as some have posted here, that even the IDEA of the club getting involved with trying to buy these records should not be pursued by the club then something is wrong. YES, it would be considered BROKEN and need FIXING!!!!

Steve