I am also an independent LEED

I am also an independent LEED consultant that is considering having to change my membership from regular to Silver because I have some large projects coming up that will have a substantial noticeable increase in certification fees to my clients that I cannot justify just telling them the USGBC raised their standard fees. I hope to recover this substantial and unwarranted membership fee increase by spreading it through a number of projects each year (if those projects ever happen given the recent trends of large A/E's and GC's minimizing outsourcing LEED work to independent consultants). Many trade associations base their membership fees on gross revenue. What is wrong with the USGBC doing that? I think it is time that small, independent LEED/Sustainability consultants develop a trade association to protect our interests. Maybe charge $20 a year to join? Any ideas?