The only real problem I see with either association is the individuals who believe they should be getting some kind of special service or benefit from their membership. Everybody's wanting to know what's in it for them. Given that perspective, yes it might be a waste of your money because unless you are taking advantage of the show booth discounts & supplier discounts, you aren't getting much as an individual. And frankly, an association may not be the kind of thing for folks who are concerned only about the personal rewards of belonging.
My point of view is that my membership somehow helps the cue building industry as a whole. I'm investing in OUR industry as a whole, understanding that my own personal benefits will increase as the industry grows & becomes more powerful. If we don't help ourselves & help each other, then nobody's going to.
It's about perspective. If you want something specific for yourself out of an association then you have missed the point. An association is where a group of like minded persons combine efforts to advance their subject as a whole, not individually. It's a cooperative notion. By doing so, every individual benefits.