I've been observing this local group for over 14 years now. Here's my report.

Two major concerns involving AA.
1. It may become a cult.
2. It might resemble a religion too much.

First off, as a cult, AA here hasn't gone that rout.
They still have "strange ideas" (which is one tell-tale sign of a cult) which float around the meetings and committees, but no one is forced to believe anything.

Secondly, as a cult, AA here isn't controlling it's members at all. If they say "screw you people" and walk out, they let em walk as far as they wanna go.

Thirdly, even the Clancy faction isn't a cult. Anyone still has the right to ignore Clancy or even flip him off if they so desire. (But Clancy and his friends have the right to dislike you if you do that.) They welcome new people, but they don't seem to be recruiting.

In summation, the cult potential for AA here is almost non-existent and will remain so as long as the 12 Traditions are abided by. Even if done so imperfectly.

As a religion, AA doesn't meet the mark. Oh sure, in the 12 steps they mention "God" and they mention "moral", but nobody's taken the time to write any commandments. It's all by suggestion only. And nobody's threatening anybody with hellfire and damnation based on AA literature.

In conclusion, all is well here in southern california. If this is a cult it's certainly a harmless one.

Roger Wilco. Over and out.