Flowerchild - I was thinking about my post yesterday and I wanted to add to it.
I was thinking you may be able to buy a smaller meal plan at first and then see what happens, if you accept a bid. I did a quick search for you and I found this:
What if I join a fraternity or sorority that has a mandatory meal plan?
For those students who join a fraternity or sorority with a mandatory meal plan, we have created supplemental meal memberships for your situation. You may choose the 7 meals per week membership or the 100 Block Membership. The 100 Block Membership is a very small meal membership, which averages approximately 6 meals per week over the course of a semester. With an average of only 6 meals per week with Seminole Dining Services, the combination of a Greek meal membership and a Seminole Dining Membership will adequately provide you with enough meals during the semester.
So, you would not have to worry about a huge investment is dining that you would lose. I am sure there would be numerous times it would be convenient for you to grab a meal on campus vs. at the house.
Also, with recruitment so early, you could hold off on paying for your meal plan until bid day is over. I remember people doing that as well. It is up to you on how you feel, if that makes you comfortable. I remember people buying plans and adding to a pre-bought plan for the first several weeks of the semester.
I hope that helps more.