It helps keep out those wishing to take advantage of members. It also helps keep out a large portion of other wishy washy types and let's those who use it know they are dealing witth someone who is serious enough about Savages to become a paying member. It's actually a great deal and one can usually save enough on a single transaction to make it worth their while. Sadly during the current hard times my membership has lapsed but it has worked well for members here for quite a while. I can't think of a good enough reason to change a system that's working.