NARAM pays for itself, and usually generates a small profit.
I'm not sure about NARCON, but it is probably contracted and pays for itself, like NARAM.
The NAR does not really have much, but what they have is mostly volunteer efforts, and self funded like NARTS.
What programs are not beneficial to you? If you can not be educated, you should not be in this sport.
The truth is that HPR has taken over the NAR. The NAR is HPR. However, I still like to think of the traditional NAR, and HPR administered as an NAR program like NarTrek, competition, etc. so that the BOD can assess its performance, expenses, needs, etc. and provide funding and fees as needed for the program. This in no way reflects reality, nor would it lead to fragmentation, etc. It is just one way of looking at HPR and administering it within the NAR.
I think there are several reasons why more rocketeers will choose to downsize their activities, perhaps all the way down to LMR/MR. Number one is the economy, and that may not improve until the Democrats pay off GWB's massive war debt. The regulatory red tape certainly adds to the expense, but most HPR flyers seem to fly HPR simply to assert their rights at any cost. Excessive regulation will only stiffen their resolve.
I think "EX" is best done without any membership. By you will need TRA membership to fly at TRA EX launches. I'm not planning on renewing ny NAR membership, but I am considering buying NAR membership for a niece or nephew, instead (I really just want the magazine subscription). I have a 4 year old niece who is extremely bright and well behaved, a real joy, and a 1 year old nephew who is overweight, and difficult, but really too young to assess potential.
Alan