Linking a couple of replies from Nick and David:
I don’t know when/how the Hon Mem came about but it was clearly thought a noteworthy achievement to have started it.
Many older members haven’t managed 50 continuous years and I there is clearly a ‘churn’ as members drop out.
Whether the Hon Mem is free or not, I think it reflects gratitude from the BAA for those who have renewed continuously for most of a lifetime.
The issue of administration is up to the BAA and I’m not sure that the ‘expense’ of tracking names, addresses etc is relevant?
That admin goes with any membership system for which 90% are paying something anyway? (And the previous 50 years of subs from the Hon Mems.)