Just had a similar wierd experience with the AA. We have family membership, mainly for our peace of mind when our daughter is out in her car. We take most of the add ons, relay, homestart etc too. We got our membership quote today for two hundred and silly pounds. Phoned up, told them we weren't renewing membership and they knocked one hundred and thirty of the price there and then. I couldn't be bothered to push further but I wonder how far I might have got. I also wonder how many just pay up.
I believe I'm correct in thinking that their whole service is underwritten in the same way as insurance is these days rather than being run as a motoring organisation.