I agree with you. However, I have found that if you ask for a Senior discount at a Motel you will frequently be given a discounted rate. AARP takes credit for something that you can successfully negotiate for yourself!
My experience has been between my own negotiations like you speak of and my AAA card, I do better than AARP.
Lot of extra benes with AAA that AARP doesn't even approach but the basic thing is I don't feel like I'm supporting socialism and anti-Americanism.