That's a good point but doesn't take into account other styles of business. How do Real Estate Agents work with their brokers? Or Insurance Agents? Franchises? These people pay a fee to use the different services and to run their own business underneath the structure that is in place. This is set up the same way. It's not your traditional 9-5 but that doesn't make it any less legitimate.
I understand that you may not see it that way and that is ok. I don't want to argue. I personally benefit from the Rolling Bones Membership and became a rep to have a career in the industry so I can do more of what I love.