Yes that is true, though they may be happy to work together if they remain the overall authority on the examining side, i.e. the testing session is one entirely of their own bolted onto their training but held in the SCAE environment rather than their own. Really just a case of location so that those who cannot easily attend London might be able to go to another place and work alongside those on the training days discussed but also take a meaningful examination at the end.
On the cost of membership side of things. It might be nice to have a seperately priced exthusiasts membership that perhaps does not include cheaper entry to the trade shows and other things. There must be many that would join if the cost were around a quarter of what it is now. Most hobbiests will happily pay £20-£25 to join the official association of their chosen interest, but few will cough up £85 or so the same as the commercial boys.
The SCAE should not lose sight of the importance of nurtering the enthusiast area (not that I am for a minute inferring that to be the case) as it is the one area where standards can be assured. No amount of training will make a "couldn't care less" poorly motivated barista using average beans in a commerical situation governed by a manager that cares only for profit, into someone that will produce great coffee. Enthusiasts on the other hand have passion and are not doing it for a living, which in turn leads to quality and self improvement.
It would seem to me that if the membership for enthusiasts was set at a level similar to other hobby association joining fees, that the SCAE would benefit from our passion for high standards and we would benefit from being part of the fold. After all, £85 represents a lot of green beans (six months worth for me) which we will roast just as well (or badly) with or without membership of the SCAE