The proxy problem is not so simple. The by laws of most clubs require a minimum number of votes to pass anything requiring the approval of members. This is to prevent a small number of active members from seizing control of the club. Similar provisions are found in the by laws of almost any organization. The problem is that many, perhaps even most, members are like Barney (at least in this respect). They don't want to have to deal with the business aspects of the club, they just want to enjoy it. That is their prerogative so long as there is a way to conduct business. Budgets must be passed, officers must be elected, capital improvements must be undertaken from time to time etc. Thus there must be a way to obtain the votes. If a member does not want to attend a meeting or cannot due to scheduling conflicts, the proxy allows him to vote and for the club to obtain the necessary quorum. A properly drafted proxy allows the member to vote on the proposition or to allow a nominee to vote for him. The choice is up to the member. If the club wants to allow electronic voting that is permissable. I suggest that, at least in my experience, it will be harder to get someone to take the time to vote on the computer then to get him to sign a proxy.
Finally, we have faced similar objections; that the proxy system allows the "connected" to exert inordinate influence. I will say the same thing here as I have told others at my club dating back to the time when I was a relatively young member; if you feel strongly, nothing prevents any member or group of members from taking their valuable time and soliciting other members to cast their votes by proxy or otherwise against the proposal advanced by the "insiders". Stop complaining and invest your time. See if your fellow members agree with you. Find out how persuasive you can be. The response to this invitation has always been inaction which leads me to believe that the complaints about the system are more often a reflection of dissatifaction with substantive decisions which the speaker can't reverse. So he blames the system.