Paddy, thanks for the numbers. I don't remember ever paying $35/year, but so far all the renewal offers have been for that amount.
The "pro discounts" I have taken advantage of have been quite a bit cheaper than typical rates, or I wouldn't have bothered with them. On occasion I have received the type of offer you referred to, and they are indeed rip-offs.
I may wait and see if any free copies come my way, then contact MacWorld regarding the $15/year subscription rate. That seems reasonable to me; anything higher and I will probably pass.