Thanks Jim..I see it and have talked to members with longer-term sobriety and they have related much of what you describe.
I think it's really about realizing that no amount of time away from a drink makes one different than another...and I find that "their" current experience isn't too far removed from someone with 10 days. IE - the spiritual malady, the feeling of being separate from still exists. While they are not put on pedastals in any way - they seemingly have the fellowship they crave, at least those in my group.
If this thing wasn't about "real" friendships, I don't know how long I would last.