Funny, breweries have been doing this for some time.
Lost Abbey Brewery's exclusive club(s) are even called "Sinners and Saints" (since 2006)
Just addressing the "genius" comments, he's doing a good job obviously, but copying what others are doing years later is not genius to me. Just very smart.
All that to say, I have no problem with this.
If you like his products and want access to exclusive stuff it's the only way. Same with the breweries, they make small batch stuff for their clubs and no one else can get it (except second hand). Those interested participate, and are usually happy (at least in the beer world). Those not interested do not participate.