I have to admit, while not objecting to this policy, it was not clear to me either. I think if contest sponsors simply added that word 'supporting' it would help newer 'members' such as myself.
PS - Just became a Supporting Member
Large BGE...From smoking cheese in the fall at <100 degrees to cooking steaks or tuna filets at over 1,000. Look for a used one. They're rare, but they're out there.