The issues, as I see them, are;
THE NEGATIVES
ASIC achieves nothing - it does not enhance safety/security one jot.
Its cost (to you), while relativly minor in the aviation context, is you purchasing a none product - you may as well burn the dollars (would you do that?) . For the most part you will not be asked for your ASIC, no one will see it. It's a bit of fancy plastic with your photo on (bling) , I guess if it make some people feel like a real pilot - then it has achieved something.
The applicant is supposed to be subject to an in depth security check. From the number of failures (crims bringing drugs in) this has not achieved nothing, other than to open a security file on the innocent.
It has been and is costly for the tax/ratepayer - security fencing & gates had to be installed and now maintained - all for nothing.
ASIC is used to limit access to the "airside" of an airport to people who have passed a security process (certified as non threatening) - what's to stop the bad people from conducting a terrorist act from outside the airports security fence? - nothing.
As a PIC of an aircraft, you have the right to navigate where you choose (within the airspace limits) land at any public airport - this right has been diminished for no practical purpose/gain.
The only thing that the imposition of ASIC on private pilots wishing to access certain rural airports has achieved has been to reduce visitation, make fuel management a little more difficult and ready access to town services problematic - all for no gain.
I see the requirement to hold an ASIC much like being forced to have ID documents , as in a totalitarian regime. Most of us will already carry multiple de facto ID documents - various licenses, medical & credit cards, etc - how does ASIC add value to this?
As private pilots, why have we, as part of the general population, been singled out for this discriminatory treatment?- Cars are more likly to be used in a terrorist act. Motorbikes are favoured by certain criminal groups, etc etc - do they have to carry a fancy card suggesting they are right & proper people to use a public space?
THE POSITIVE
In the unlikly event that you are required to show your ASIC, it will prevent you being penalised - about $5,000
The ID examples you have given, all archive a meaningful goal;
Licenses show you meet certain criteria to carry out an activity (eg driving).
Rego (in NSW) indicates your vehicle was at the time of inspection, "road worthy" and contributes to road infrastructure development/maintenance.
Club membership also indicates your conformaty to certain interests/values and contributes to club operating costs, usually confers some privileges on the holder.๐