For what it's worth, I enjoyed following your thread, Nigel. I am trying to decide whether or not I want to try AA, and the debate interests me. Of course I just love a good debate anyway, and I don't always detect hostility where others do. Hostility is what I call "getting interesting."
But as far as the thread getting shut down, I get it. I think it's important for newcomers like us to be open-minded about whatever support systems are out there.
Anyway, you've been very strong about hanging in there with your sobriety! It's a bitch, but I hear it's worth it. I haven't gotten to the "worth it" stage, but I'm keeping the faith. Hang in there!