Sounds a bit compicated, and you`re then asking skippers to declare what they earn. If you knew what I earn in US $ you would all have a good laugh !
I think a fee of $10 (for SA members)would be acceptable to belong to the class, certainly for now.If the US sailors think $25 is acceptable, and guys in EU think 25 Euro is affordable, then that`s what they should pay. If in future the class is doing a lot for the sailors that they can actively see, then they would consider paying more for the benefits. It`s just that we earn non-comparative salaries - a guy earning $3000 in the US can consider a Taipan - it is only 3 months income. A Taipan imported to SA would cost R76 000 BEFORE adding import duties & tax,probably R100 000 all included. 10 months income for a graduate professional with an above-average income. (See why we have no Taipans ?)
Asking us to pay $25 is like asking the US sailors to pay $200, I`m sure they would also protest !
If you can settle on $10, I`m sure I can sell that to the members.

Cheers
Steve