The blind following of any group or religion I feel is an inappropriate way of using your intellect, mind, and life. There is value to be found in most mystic, spiritual or religious groups although you may need to sift through the dogma to get to the kernals of "truth" within them. I think the bottom line for any teaching or practice is whether it works for you in life. Does it make your life better to follow the practices or to study the knowledge base? I suppose "better" is subjective but there are possible common characteristics of a "better life" found throughout our culture. Here are perhaps some examples. 1. Does it give you a more empowered view of yourself and your place in the world-universe? 2. Does it make you happier or more joyful? 3. does it improve your relationships with others? 4. does it help you improve your place in the world...financially...socially...etc (whatever holds most value or importance to you). 5. does it teach you skills or mind and body that assist you in reaching your goals? 6. does it promote no harm to self or others through your acts?

Just remember to never take any information for granted. If AMORC gives you information or teachings to read..cross reference them and delve deeper into source material....whether if be Kabbalah....alchemy.....Mystic traditions. In the end "truth" and info needs to be made your own.

As for AMORC being a "for profit" organization...they charge $15 a month to send you via internet materials to read. If you want them to send you hard copies of the same matierial it is a bit more. Any organization has administrative costs and AMORC has a egyptian musium and planetarium and such that they run as a non-profit. It seems a small price to get the information and have access to the resources. Of course, these days many of the written resources are available online or free at google-books.

As a disclaimer, I recently (6 months) have joined AMORC and participate in a local Pronaos (group). I find it both intellectually, spiritually, and socially fullfilling. I also read and have read alot on my own.