I have no idea what "deals" they may be running right now, but they probably once in a lifetime. I went Life and two more bumps up on those same deals. I'm opted out of all their mailings including the magazines (electronic only for me), it's an option if you dig deep enough, same with their swag crap, I didn't want a duffel bag or whatever else. I want my money to go for my rights, not bullshit branded merchandise made in China.
Just join, go Life Member if you can afford it, and forget about it. 100% agree on not giving them your real phone number, I use 800-555-1212 for them any anything else I never want a call back from. I get enough spam calls as it is.