Jason/Bryan,
The issues you have brought up are issues we have been struggling with since the inception of the club. Our club members are spread widely over the four state region, and planning events which everyone can attend is next to impossible. Actually, if you map it out, KC is the center of the club. We have several from Wichita, KS, one from Kearney, NE, a few from the Joplin area, Des Moines, etc. So you can see that the STL members aren't the only ones travelling some distance to get to KC.
That said, I strongly encourage you guys to put event(s) together for the STL area. You'll be surprised how many are willing to travel to other places than Tuttle! Last month a group got together in Wichita and had a great time. I'd considered going, but had other stuff in the works that weekend.
One of the main reasons our club has remained active (IMO) is the fact we are a diverse group who isn't forced to get together each month. We plan events that we want to do, when and where we want to do them. The club gives us that ready list of buddies to call to set these up.
So this is my long-winded response to your concerns. Take the lead, plan events in your area, invite the club, and enjoy! I've been around long enough to know you aren't going to step on any toes.
Chris