I'm new to all this and I'm already getting disilutioned…way to go everyone. How about coming up with some positive solutions. Closing down trails may get people's attention but it may also cause people to think that the NSMBA has no control and, as such, won't want to donate or volunteer (why give to a lost cause). I see a lot of potential for improving things and am looking forward to the challenge. Maybe it's naivety or inexperience, but what the hell…I'm excited about it.
F-Train,
Don't get discouraged, get involved. Take this opportunity to help spin the NSMBA in a good light.
Evewrybody,
We have enough HATERS outside the mountain bike community, let's not turn this place into a slag fest as well. If you don't like the NSMBA, either get involved and do something to change things, or just do your own thing. Lots of builders are doing work on their own, without much, if any, help from the NSMBA, the only exception to this is getting Permits, which the NSMBA will help you with.
I don't want to sound like an a**hole, but BUCK UP, OR SHUT UP.
PS. I am not on the board with the NSMBA, just a member like most of you.