Actually, you're incorrect, Ian.
You can enter the ProSolo as a non-member & pay the $15 weekend membership fee.
As far as being a novice...
I tried my first ProSolo my first year of autocrossing! (...many moons ago.) My wife & I had a awesome time. I was second from last in my class & still enjoyed the whole thing!
The whole point of these National events going around the country is to get folks to try a National type Solo.
Not everyone enters these events to be 1st place.