I like AA and go to a meeting most days. more than anything else AA is what has kept me sober for awhile now. I myself really don't care about the chips or counting days but I do understand its a help to others. I am very aware of my sobriety date and recognize the milestones in my head. I would never of said anything and it wouldn't have changed my date. I think people share too much at the meetings anyways, especially on outside issues (not that this is one). as far as I know the chips and counting days as well as a sobriety date have nothing to do with the program and you won't see anything about any of it in any of the literature including the big book. it's a fellowship thing. I've been only going about 2 years and don't really know all the ins and outs and if I am wrong I hope I am corrected.