Whiplash

as per Websters

1 a : to bring or receive into close connection as a member or branch b : to associate as a member <affiliates him/herself with the local club>
2 : to trace the origin of
intransitive senses : to connect or associate oneself

no where does it say anyone has to offer a "best price"
we have those that do, those that do not
it is up to you as a consumer to shop for that "best price"

what we as a club offer you is a contact to those that we have found in the field, and that have found us..
some give paid members a premium price, some don't....spend some time in the lounge and you quickly find out who those that do are
what we offer them is an opportunity to advertise, to bring their products to those possibly in need of their specialties, and to offer them some sort of exclusivity...
ergo SiR b16a2, your post has been edited...no free advertising, in the interests of our affiliates


in closing (take that both ways)
no one said you can't shop around, feel free to if it comes down to the bottom dollar, bargain-basement price....me i'll stick with the affiliates that have proven themselves to offer me and mine either the best in service or the best in location, support and prices
again, i (and i'm sure in a lot of cases "we") appreciate your generosity when it's come to donating prizes etc for many of our events