Well I don't think there is any doubt that a higher power is required to get good solid AA recovery... It is the foundation of AA. I don't think that tomsteve is denying that.
I think that one can come to AA without an understanding of a higher power, heck, one can be atheist, agnostic, nontheist, whatever... But with an open mind (tomsteve) people who want AA recovery can often develop some understanding of a higher power, if they are honest, willing and open minded.
But absolutely, a higher power is required for AA/12 step recovery...it is just not a prerequisite to be a member of AA.