Likewise, I wonder about the 'professional imaging business' bit. My Fortune 100 company employs a couple of full-time photographers among its ~75,000 employees. They should be excluded because our mission is making medicines not images?

For that matter, many computer/graphics designers would fit the description, even if their Canon gear has nothing to do with their day job.

I say if you want to join, join. Canon will be happy to take your money, provided you have sufficient gear registered for the level at which you want to join.