I still haven't read or heard a single "intangible aspect" of participating in the clashes that can not be achieved in other ways within a CC or otherwise.
I recognize you both (paulie and Nancy) care about "your roles" or "your contributions" but ignoring and or remaining oblivious to the "other side of the equation" doesn't really make sense or come across as making a rational decision. Consider this...if you could buy a sleeve of golf balls for 300 credits, why would you and what is the purpose of paying 3000 credits for the same sleeve of golf balls? It is illogical, and it is the "mechanism" adopted by the technology industry and this case WGT to induce the addictive like behavior.
Yes that is still a choice. But, if you recognize something that could or can be viewed as an unhealthy behavior wouldn't you want to share that with them. Balance in life, balance in the game, and balance and tempo in the golf swing are key.
Anyone can justify their actions and behavior regarding clashes...but Clashes do not identify the "best clubs" they only identify a club that is willing to pay more to play more and mindlessly play game after game regardless of their score (good or bad) because they only care about volumne and NOT necessarily QUALITY.
I am certain you are both genuinely good people and I realize you both mean well, but it seems you also overlook or dismiss how something can also be unhealthy when taken to an extreme.
Nancy, I believe you only shared a "limited" view into your beloved club. And it sounds like that is how it may feel to you, but it doesn't sound like that is the case for everyone based on the "reports" or "statements" made by members who grow weary and tired of the constant bickering over the golden putter and other issues. People have left your beloved club because of the dynamics in your forum. Maybe that is something to look at a little closer. I am not criticizing you or your club, no club is perfect. I am trying to offer you an honest glimpse based on statements by former members. If you truly care about your club, then you may consider addressing some of those things because they directly contradict the "portrayal" you offer in your post or everything being happy and good will.
No club is perfect, no person is perfect...we can only try and if we are honest with ourselves recognize we can try to do better. Find common ground, use all of that energy for something good, something healthy, something that might make a difference.
[edit--I will reiterate once again I am not saying you have not made points regarding your own points of view and how you have sought to gain "value" from playing or participating. It is a larger question of whether this same "intangible values" can be obtained without going to such an "excess" or seemingly "obsessive" manner. I realize each of those words can carry different meanings and implications but I am simply trying to hold a mirror up and say ... does this look healthy? It may not appear to others as healthy but you may feel you have found "it works for you" but it is also a stretch to say it works for everyone in your club if some leave as a result of your "methods."]