Somebody made the comment at a recent meeting, when addressing a newcomer, that he was always hesitant to make a big deal of welcoming newbies because 9 times out of 10, they'd be gone in a month. But you say you have a couple of years with your HG so the reticence with newbies probably isn't a factor?
I guess, people are people, and just because someone is in AA doesn't mean they're going to be a better or more diligent friend. I am fairly new to AA, but so far my closest and bestest friends are not in AA (nor do they need to be!)
I'm sure you will get a very warm reception at your next meeting, and it will be sincere. However, many friends are "situational" and if you have never interacted with these folks outside of meetings, they're perhaps unsure about crossing a boundary into your personal life?