I am one of the "theys" who processes the SMA applications. Let me tell you, I'm trying to phase out the Affiliate level, or else get the board to seriously change it. The Affiliates get NO access to the Members Only portion (from what I can gather, it was originally intended for theatre companies and production manager-types, etc). Plus an Associate level is lower priced anyway, $30 a year. The only difference is that you do have to pay a one-time initiation fee of $25 (which honestly, is what registers in the computer as the thing that lets me issue usernames for the members only portions).
Also, what area of the country do you live? There may be more active local groups depending where you are....
PM me for more info if needed.
Erin