For me the lack of it being a Co op was the final straw. I tried to get back my membership money but they won't refund. I don't think I'll be shopping there now but like you haven't done major shopping there for years. I was thinking of joining REI just to be a member but then I remembered I live in Canada and haven't been down to the States for years...
I guess I'm saddened by MEC switching to another generic store.