This is absolutely unacceptable. For the amount of money apple makes and as big of a corperation as they are, this is so disappionting that no official Apple team member has viewed this thread and responded. This is a community fourm but Microsoft shows us that they have experts looking for users with issues so they can assist. Considering the $99 fee Apple is charging us and systematically refusing to simply allow you to be a developer prior to paying or automatically after accepting your payment, this is a BIG issue and liability. Someone from apple support needs to assist in answering why this is happening. It's a simple programaitc "if user pays, then they are now member". Not doing that implies a human is approving users...but why? I am confused it's not clear, there is no automated approval. They should NOT be stating within 48 hours if that is not the case and they should NOT be charging users if they are not going to follow through with giving them development ability. Also just....WHY? Why the delay I am so confused and beyond disappointed.