Originally Posted by
Nonsensical 
This attitude, pervasive at many of the AA meetings I have attended, has alway turned me off. It conveys a sense of superiority, and tells new members "you're not welcome here". If it's not intended that way then the messengers might want to rethink their message.
For the OP (PO) - there are numerous paths to sobriety. Find the one that works for you.
That's interesting... I actually didn't take IOAA's post that way- I took it as the people in AA have "earned their seat" simply by their own personal experiences. I think it's the term "earn seat" that is misleading. I could be wrong though
I have to be honest, I have never felt that way when I attend AA meetings... that to say, everyone has different experiences and I would also wonder if there are other AA meetings you can attend that have a different culture?
All the best, good luck.