The Pan Am is funded by the USOC (as is the Olympic Games).
I do not disagree on the number of coaches traveling to events - whether it is the committee volunteers "overseeing" the Nationals or the vote-buying/vote-selling coaches accompanying teams. Unfortunately, that is the province of the elected chairs (Brooks, Chaplin, Hightower and so on). Grab a few team rosters off of usatf.org and look at the coaching names. I will admit some sound good (coaches from the top collegiate programs in the country) but many are clearly along for the ride. Chaplin has already named himself to coach two meets in the Caribbean this year. (Grammar hawks, sorry to split my infinitive.)
As to value to the membership, it varies based on the local association and what else you use. Some of the discounts are easily found on the internet, others are worth cash. I have never used the insurance but know someone who has.