Interesting, when I went through my organizations looking at life memberships I swear that AOPA was $1,500 and there was only one lifetime membership. I remember it being by far the most expensive, with AMA second and EAA the cheapest (at the time.) Since I already had enough years in, I received the $100 discount from EAA also.
As for the dinner, I am disappointed in the changes, I also don't attend to watch the airshow and will only go to the dinner or nothing. I will make my feeling known if I see the appropriate people.
Jim