It's still tracked though so mothership is still keeping an eye on where riders are buying permits. Who knows what they do with that data, in future. It's like a vote where you ride. I say it still matters to help keep your local ride area, by buying permits where you plan to ride most 👌
From what I was told a couple of years ago by a reliable source, permit buyers selecting your club doesn't mean much in terms of dollars going directly to your club any more. Your District office pays for all legitimate trail and grooming expenses now so a club only needs raise funds for direct club expenses.