Those who avoid clubs because of the FEAR that the club may be stodgy or full of rules and regulations are actually harming only themselves! Honestly their development can even be delayed or stunted! The only way to make the hobby accessible to all is to get out their and spread the message to all.
My local club, (which claimed to be friendly and open), was not so friendly and resisted anything new or different, (They knew nothing of FT and did not want FB planes or anything similar at their club including any radio that was not Spektrum). Well it was a battle over a couple of years but the club is now actually friendly and accepting. Most of the club members have a FB plane of their own and some club members actually have made requests for special builds for their use.
In addition no one cares much about what radio you use as long as it is reasonably fit for purpose. Beginners are actually guided along the path and can start learning without expending a single cent, (here is Aus that is far less than in the US
). We even have a clause in our rules that assigns responsibility for a crash to the instructor when buddy boxed so that beginners are covered by the instructors insurance until they decide if they wish to fully commit by becoming club members and investing in their own equipment and insurance! Yes, since joining the club I have become a mentor, instructor and committee member within the club. Actually I have managed to spread the FB message far further thn just my local club and now I am running to other clubs and persons who are flying FB birds, (a lot of my making)!
A club is made up by its membership and so are its internal rules and policies! If the local clubs are not right for you in your area you have a simple choice. Do nothing and they will always remain unsuitable for you OR you can join the club and not only learn from the club but also teach others of alternate ways to do things, change the club nature from within, and have a role in growing the club membership! Just a note of warning though, do not join a club and start telling the membership that they are wrong or doing things wrong because you will not ever be in a position where what you say will be accepted! Listen, learn, do, teach!
Join a club regardless or your opinion of them simply because together we have a voice whereas alone no one listens!
Have fun!