Do it at your local club... I did my at DTW. Like others mentioned, clubs have numbers to meet. I'm sure these are used in decisions that determine how/when to upgrade a club. Higher sign-ups may equate to a better funded club. I felt bad I couldn't do it at DCA, they always reminded me to renew. But I rolled off the 11 month project onto a local one, so there was no need to renew.

As far as waiting, remember, if your membership lapses, you have to pay a $50 admin fee. So waiting a month or two may not be of a benefit. In addition, you are not considered a "new member" unless your membership lapses for 12 months. Therefore, if you renew inside of 12 months, you will most likely not be eligible for any bonus promos. I wrote to the WC folks and was told the same thing.

As far as benefits, I don't think there's really any difference. Other than, you may make someone's day