Funny I too am a member of 50 years standing and was treated similarily to you but they relented and did do it after waiting a while. Did not offer any refreshments or apologies. Very disappointing after so many years.
As a senior with over 30 years of BCAA membership, I used to like this office very much, but my experience of a recent trip was not very pleasant. My auto insurance is about to expire and the renewal phone line has been always busy. When arrived on site, I was told that I had to make an appointment which would be one week after the expiration date. I nicely asked for renewal on site, but the receptionist was unsympathetic and insisted that since I made a mistake I should be responsible for it.
I inquired about purchasing a car in BC and moving it to Alberta. The person told me that I would have to inquire about this procedure in Alberta. I specifically asked about transferring the ownership of the car and what would be needed to be done here. But, she told me that all the paper work would need to be completed there and that there was nothing to do on this end in BC. I found out after doing some searched that I would have to complete a Transfer/Tax Form (APV9T).