I would hope not either, but I think there is a genuine and realistic fear that it could or that it would cause a reduction in membership in one or the other. (Dual membership might fix that problem)
Im sure nobody thought the Negro Baseball League would disappear either, and Ive heard that argument mentioned many times on why no visitation...
I am glad you brought this up Brother Wing. I have heard the same thing that one Fraternity would lose members to the other so one did not want visitation rights. Well if you think about that for a minute that is just plain hogwash. The man who makes that argument is blinded by pride and ego. This argument is saying "well our frat is superior so naturally theirs would cease to be" and that is just unMasonic thinking. An A.F.&A.M. Mason or Prince Hall Mason who is happy in his fraternity would never dream of leaving the place "from whence he came". Being a traveling men though we should have the option to visit or join our Brothers in their efforts. If a Mason is unhappy the option to join the other Fraternity may be just what he needed to see the light.
I have never heard the comparasion of baseball leagues to the demising of a non-profit Fraternity pertained to moral instruction but agin if you think about that for a quick minute you will realize that person is comparing apples to oranges.
My Grandfather who is 80 was in IHOP about 2 weeks ago and 4 Prince Hall Brothers of about the same age, dressed to the nines approached him after seeing his SR ring and introduced themselves as Brothers and told him it would not be long before we could sit in Lodge together. Wonder why they would say that if "they" do not want full visitation? I challenge any Brother to visit a Prince Hall fund raiser or event and see what kind of reception you recieve.