Seriously though, you want as few barriers to you working out as possible. Especially since you say you are "social-phobic when I'm all in 'self improvement mode,'" if the awkward atmosphere makes you miss just ONE workout a month, then the $2 you saved is pointless.
By the way, go back to the other facility you are considering, and tell them you like them, but you're thinking of going elsewhere due to startup cost--unless you've already done heavy negotiating, I bet they knock some off, gyms are worse than used car lots.