I am a Life member at ACA. Wandering through to see what the fishboards are like today. It has been about 6 years since I have been active online relating to fish. Joing the ACA is worth joing if for no reason other than to get connected with some great hobbyist breeders. Add in the people you meet and the publications and there just doesn't seem to be a compelling reason not to join (well, that student loan is one of them).
Actually suggested people join ACA yesterday at a different board I have long been associated with.