I personally think it will help a lot if the sticky thread actually lists the most main connections you have to have in order to become an AI with a NPC sorority. I was under the impression after reading that thread that anyone, even without connections can contact them by themselves. This causes quite a confusion to those when I read some other threads. By just saying you can be an AI if you're a professional leader, or housewife, doesn't really help.
From my personal belief, as long as I found a group that I can connect with, it doesn't matter if it's an NPC group or not. So I found the list of alternatives to be helpful. Which makes me believe those who pursue AI with NPCs without any connection are those who just want to wear the letters because they are huge. If they have friends there, then I understand. I go for a group that is active and I can make friends with and do things together. NPC or not, it doesn't matter to me. I know my reason why I look for a group.
So my point is, I wish the sticky thread can clear those misconceptions somehow, if you want to avoid these threads in general. That's just my 2 cents...
And
SmartBlondeGPhB, whether I sound like a troll to you, do I really care at all? or does it even matter to you?