Case in point, we had 15 teams show up to our area qualifiers. Only ONE team was not current with there paperwork. I updated my status the registration night.

That is what I mean, if I were area rep (and this can go as a suggestion) I would have looked at teh registrants list. I would make every effort possible to check their US Sailing Membership and to see who is up to date and who is not. I would contact those who were not up to date, and inform them the importance of there membership particularly for this event.
This works good on two points. Keeps the qualifying event cheaper; and keep the membership requirement at bay.
Cheaper because the team would not have to renew their membership the night of registration, possibly making the cost of the event even higher. $75 for the event, and $50 for the GA program.

If I would have paid a few weeks ago into the GA then the cost of the event would have been much lower. See what I am saying?