I can not resist this topic, however I apologise for going off at a tangent! First the 'stuffed shirt' syndrome, this seems to go with the whole perception of 'higher office' for some individuals. Empire Building is still a popular sport. My real issue is with the lower echelons, in most Institutions, it is quite hard to convince non Members to make that first move into Associate or Eng Tech level. For example there are many electricians who would benefit from doing so. So often the decline to join is followed by the misguided assumption that the 'Institution' is Elitist!! At this point I get quite upset, there is a world of difference between that and Exclusive, and in my opinion many people get the two confused, none of the Institutions I am a Member of, are exclusive, however like most people, I would endeavour to be the best in what I do, if I am the best, perhaps I would be able to join an Elite group. There are many elite units who have trained and studied hard and long to be at the peak of their profession or duty, they are rightly applauded. I can think of many exclusive 'establishments' that are well beyond my grasp, either I do not know the right people, or my personal fortune falls just short of the required entry level!

I can not resist this topic, however I apologise for going off at a tangent! First the 'stuffed shirt' syndrome, this seems to go with the whole perception of 'higher office' for some individuals. Empire Building is still a popular sport. My real issue is with the lower echelons, in most Institutions, it is quite hard to convince non Members to make that first move into Associate or Eng Tech level. For example there are many electricians who would benefit from doing so. So often the decline to join is followed by the misguided assumption that the 'Institution' is Elitist!! At this point I get quite upset, there is a world of difference between that and Exclusive, and in my opinion many people get the two confused, none of the Institutions I am a Member of, are exclusive, however like most people, I would endeavour to be the best in what I do, if I am the best, perhaps I would be able to join an Elite group. There are many elite units who have trained and studied hard and long to be at the peak of their profession or duty, they are rightly applauded. I can think of many exclusive 'establishments' that are well beyond my grasp, either I do not know the right people, or my personal fortune falls just short of the required entry level!