I have to agree. I gave a neighbor a coupon for $10 off NRA membership and last time I talked to them, they still hadn't joined.
Once my budget will allow it, I'll be changing my regular NRA membership to Life member.
I also belong to SAF.
Within 18 months after Bill Clinton took office I became a Life Member of the NRA.
At that time it was not necessary to come up with the cash all at one time.
The NRA had a payment plan for those wanting to become Life Members.
I don't know if payment plans still exist, but a trip to their web site should provide the answer.