Jeb...open aa meetings are just that...they are open to anyone. The act that you are an alcoholic qualifies you free and clear. Sit in the back and observe...if anyone questions you say that you are just there to listen. Your reasons for going seem to be two fold, you may just be able to identify with a member or twos experience and may also observe and draw your own conclusion about the organization. In my experience aa meetings are hardly anonymous, it just has a nice ring to it. Good luck to you.