That's curious - "has gone to", implying a recent change. Given participation in clubs in general these days it would seem this "exclusivity" isn't about restricting membership but mitigating what a new/full member might do. Like maybe a few ne're do wells become members and try to overtake the board or something, and probation period allows tossing out undesirables (whatever that looks like) before they can cause trouble. If it's one thing I've seen in ham clubs over the years it's personality conflicts.
Mark K5LXP
Albuquerque, NM