I agree John, it's about as serious as the tunnel. I loved your joke about the members only causeway stretch!
On the other hand (addressed generally), perhaps a separate issue... when I look back at the major conclaves - we did a lot of work, and people put a lot into the efforts (monetarily, timewise, generosity, etc). It just seems appropriate that all that work, fun and camaraderie goes to help a purpose over and above our personal indulgence. One such cause is to further the notion of a web community that builds regionally intense angling clubs (90+% of your focus) and connects them worldwide into an angler's exchange program, such that you wouldn't leave home without a rod for those times you happen to travel somewhere (10% or less, yet unforgettable). Or else there's charity.
The former is the dream - does anyone share it or is it just my personal delusion? Of course it will always be 90% local intensity (guys and gals you could grab a beer after work with), and that is great... but over time that 10% (others who grab a beer with each other... on the Gaspe, on the Keys, BC, Scotland, etc) may become significant to all of us as well. Certainly the knowledge, diversity, and higher sense of camaraderie across the breadth of angling must be fascinating to others besides me - even if it never got beyond the board. It's the very essence of the world-wide web.
When we pool our insights to conquer an untapped island riptide, an unnamed trout-filled tributary or a mangrove lined bay with others in our region, we raise the common web-yak interaction to new levels. And when we host a world traveler on a business trip for a flyfishing digression, or get hosted ourselves in some other destination, we have transcended the norm of cyber-yak clubs once again and and done something truly extraordinary.
So what does this have to do with a sticker? Good question
Things are (or are not) what they are because of the way people perceive them. In order to do anything significant, it's necessary to build mind share. Associating the excitement of conclaves (or perhaps a few of them) with membership in *this* community says we are not "easy" but we're damn friendly and know how to have fun; also that we openly welcome all who can give a little to solidify the cause.
Maybe it's too early to say you need a "pass" (ie: membership) to attend conclaves. Seeing how it's the rule rather than the exception in other communities on the web, I humbly ask - does the hint of such in the future raise concerns?
<font size="1">touche' shack nasties!</font><!--1-->