I went to a few EAA meetings when I first moved here. The guys were all friendly, but in the 3 or 4 meetings I attended there was:
a) a lot of local political talk and turmoil over chapter leadership. (this could have just been bad timing, as it was mostly stemming from one person/incidence/issue)
b) very little experimental aviation talk. I didn't meet one other person who had built or was building, I guess there were a couple members that had but they weren't very active/there when I was.
c) I met another guy on the field who was building an RV and he didn't have anything great to say about the chapter either from the experimental aviation side...
so not all EAA chapters are "builder centric" or have the ability/knowledge to give inspections/advice...
a) That is a pretty negative hot take. Maybe your chapter at this time is weak?
That can change for the better overtime.
b) All chapters have election meetings once a year. Business is part of all meetings. Also corona has kept people out of the loop.
c) 3 meetings and heard hearsay and innuendo from others is not fair shake. Don't paint EAA with broad brush.
d) Most chapters have separate builders clinics and project visits aside from meetings.
e)
You made a connection to another RV builder, help each other. So that is positive.
f) My chapter has people with wide skills and abilities, A&P's, composite gurus, welding, fabric, CFI's, airline pilots, aerobatic pilots as well as a few active builders, Zenith, Van's, Lancair. Sling and restoration of DH Chipmunk and fabric covered planes. They don't jump out at you.
You have to go to the meetings and MEET THEM.
g) You get more detailed specialized info about RV building in these VAF Forums, either archived or new threads than most EAA Chapters. (Donate to VAF). If you need help with a bucking bar buddy the chapter may be best place to find a helper. Also EAA technical counselors are found at EAA Chapters.
Did you ask if they have technical counselors? Do you know what planes people are building or flying in this chapter?
h) My last EAA meeting a member volunteered the service of his 3D printer (large industrial). Great to make plugs and molds or small non structural parts. I see my days carving and sanding foam freehand coming to an end.
i) One member has a LSA (not experimental) he makes available for members to fly and get instruction in. I am going to get checked out and donate my CFI time.
j) My chapter sponsored a student pilot with a grant from EAA mother ship. Instruction and plane made available at discount. I am not involved in that activity but may donate my CFI/II/MEI time in the future.
k) Local EAA chapters are not builders assist groups so to speak. I can't speak to your Chapter. I joined EAA 1986 or 87 (Lifetime). After a move I joined my current EAA local chapter 10 yrs ago. It was pretty disorganized for years. Now modernized and new life in it, with new members it's a new animal. We are moving to another airport a little further out but will have a dedicated meeting place and support from the airport. The airport we were at was banning projects due to switch from private hanger ownership reverting back to city. The point is EAA chapters evolve.
l) Last is we have breakfast at most of the meetings and special fly-in pot lucks or BBQ events including Christmas dinner....Yummm.