...and that's where I think you and I differ. An audax event never leaves me wondering what I've got for my money. I joined AUK in late 2015 and since then, judging by membership numbers, there have been over 5000 new members. That's pretty decent growth for a niche organisation! It also tells me that people see what genuinely good value it is. It also confirms what I have always found; Actual audax riders are a very friendly and welcoming bunch. In direct contrast to some of the 'e-audaxers' you might encounter online!
I did my first Audax in 2009 or thereabout, the mighty AAA rated Kent Invicta Grimpeur, which was magnificently organised with a lavish provision of food at start, mid way and finish for the usual entry fee of a couple of shillings.
It then took me ages to join AUK, mainly because I wasn't interested in long brevets and the points associated, so I joined only much later. But I did a few as non members, always BP.
Most brevets are fantastic and you can see the passion of the organisers.... but I've also come across a few that were a waste of time, in some cases literally, meaning the GPX file was wrong, the organiser knew it, but wasn't bothered anough to fix the problem. Had one of the latter been my first event (incidentally one with nothing other than a card provided), I would have probaly been imprinted into thinking Audax were a bit of an acquired taste and not for me
The social element is nice, I am not much of a bunch rider and tend to ride solo or as a pair... village halls do wonders to help being social as opposed to rainy car parks or busy cafes