Becoming a pro allows you to be paid for placing in the contests you enter. But all of us know that 95% of pros make almost nothing (if not lose money) competing.
Companies have already proved that they will sponsor non pros if they are marketable. Most pros survive off of guest posings, signings, and sponsors. You can do all of those things as a non pro.
So what's the point? Only 2 contests (Arnold, Olympia) pay any decent money right? And that is only if you place top 5.
It's a shame that you make the least amount of money actually doing battle on the stage.
Whats the point of even becoming a pro. (You have to pay for a pro card too
)