I've seen a few of the RC's in NYC take themselves a little seriously and do some crooked things under the table. They do some charity work too, which looks good on the surface and because I know a few guys in them, I get invited to stuff like Bikini bike washes etc. It's cool and all, but the whole elitist attitude is enough to make me say i'm not interested when they want to recruit..
Not to mention one person's problem becomes everyone's problem in that setting. I'd rather back someone I choose to ride with, than have to cover and ride with someone I think is an @$$hole because they are wearing the same patch or color.