I think a lot of new members are under the impression that the SAAC is a non profit club like others. That it is someones business is okay and I have no issues with it and honestly our/your opinion doesn't matter because its not your company. I doubt all 8 people own it but I did read an article where a fellow by the name of Rick Kopec was a co-founder, so I assume he and a mystery person (Ken?) owns it.
Article from Jalopnik
"The legal wrangling between Carroll Shelby and Shelby American Auto Club (SAAC), the car club that celebrates his vehicles, has ended according to a release from SAAC. The troubles started when Shelby complained that SAAC had not been providing him with required financial statements and had been using his name and likeness in the course of for-profit ventures. SAAC, for its part, claims the club simply paid for itself. Whatever actually happened, some back-room maneuvering by both parties seems to have smoothed things over. Full press release from SAAC after the jump."
"The Shelby American Automobile Club has reached an agreement with Carroll Shelby and his companies to end the legal battles and return to the normal life of having fun and enjoying the people and the cars of our hobby. Today, August 8, 2008, an agreement was signed, putting behind us the turmoil and uncertainty that accompanied this legal conflict. We are now and forever the Shelby American Automobile Club. This is the result of some very hard work by people from both organizations. Rick and Ken, as well as efforts by Dave Mathews, Ron Richards and Dave Winkler at SAAC... and Amy Boylan and Carroll Shelby at CSL and Shelby Autos. ... all worked through the negotiations that settled any and all disagreements and put us all on the same page... where we can all get back to enjoying the cars and the history of Shelby American. Much more detail to follow over the next few weeks, but, now more than ever: ..... don't miss the celebration at SAAC-33... We'll be there...Team Shelby will be there... this is what it's all about. Spread the word......It's over."
So either you buy their (SAAC) product for $50 or $75 or not, its your decision.
I believe the SAAC members and registers are great people and try extremely hard to make owning and maintaining a Shelby very easy. As the website is free to all and ran independently of the SAAC, I now understand the "no expectation" from a lot of the members. You make friends through the forum, local meets and the annual meet if you are able to go.