Nerd,
I had no intention of being dismissive.
My argument, as far back as the 70s has been, if I am a member of CCE, are the aims and activities of that organisation close enough to my own to merit my being a member.
My criteria for transparency (of the actions of a 'somewhat remote' leadership) & accountability (to the rank and file membership) is an extremely basic one - that what a member has to say is listened to and taken into consideration on such important questions as whether a branch should continue to exist, or be wiped off the face of the map (presumably on my behalf as a member).

Jim Carroll