I understand that OPs position. We join GS/CW to get promised "up to 30% savings" these "savings" are off MRSP which no retailers use. Therefore there is no actual 30% saving and most times CW is higher priced than it's competition. I did not expect to save 30% on all my CW purchases but I did expect a Sam's Club or Costco type competive market price. CW does not offer that. I use to shop CW first then compare. Now I seldom look to CW for any purchase or repair because of past experience and price research.
Shame, but I feel my GS life membership is pretty much worthless. If it was not a life membership I would not renew.