Sounds like you know they aren't a good fit. You want to be more than a number and they sound like they want to reduce you to that. There are other FCs out there that you can still progress with that will treat you like a person while doing it. You should shop around until you find the right fit. And don't discount linkshells and making friends. I run my own very small FC but I hit up more hardcore stuff with friends from linkshells and who I have met over my travels.