You REALLY wanna go there Will?
I have seen any number of posts here that have gone into tremendous detail in what actions to take, what care is required, what works and what doesn't, where to find supplies, what supplies aren't worth it, tree IDs, tree suitability and availability, collection techniques, etc. The list goes on and on...
You have been a particular recipient of this information over the years, if I remember correctly (although I've been posting going on a decade now and my memory is what it used to be). My guess is that you would not be into be so heavily invested in bonsai if it weren't for forums. You certainly wouldn't have met as many knowledgeable bonsai people if it weren't for them--think back a bit.
AOB and most of the information posted there basically owes its existence to them. Saying otherwise is simply disingenuous...